Gruba Wieża / Dicker Turm
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Dicker Turm (Frauenturm)

4.5
·655 reviews·Görlitz, Germany

A 13th-century medieval defense tower in Görlitz, known for its immense thickness and historical stone relief.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, vibrant market

CrowdLow
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Gruba Wieża / Dicker Turm

Dicker Turm (Frauenturm)

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, vibrant market

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 13th-century medieval defense tower in Görlitz, known for its immense thickness and historical stone relief.

4.5
(655 reviews)

"A beautiful tower with interesting history, centrally located amidst vibrant markets and shops."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the History

The tower offers great photo opportunities, especially with the historic relief and surrounding market.

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Area

Don't just see the tower; wander through the nearby malls, markets, and restaurants for a full experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Thick Tower Itself

The Thick Tower Itself

Görlitz Old Town

A 46-meter medieval defense tower with walls over 5 meters thick, a testament to its historical significance.

Briccius Gauske Relief

Briccius Gauske Relief

Tower Facade

A 19th-century stone bas-relief depicting figures holding the city's coat of arms, relocated from a demolished gate.

Vibrant Market Scene

Vibrant Market Scene

Around the Tower

Experience an open fruit and flower market, offering a colorful and lively atmosphere near the historic tower.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to the Dicker Turm

The Dicker Turm (Frauenturm) is centrally located, making it a popular stop. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, especially if you're interested in exploring the surrounding shopping and markets.

Exploring the Surroundings

The tower is nestled amidst shopping malls, restaurants, and markets. Plan extra time to explore these vibrant areas, as they offer a lively contrast to the historical monument.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, vibrant market
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, shops open
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📸 Capture the History

The tower offers great photo opportunities, especially with the historic relief and surrounding market.

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Area

Don't just see the tower; wander through the nearby malls, markets, and restaurants for a full experience.

🇵🇱 Bridge to Poland

The Polish border is a short 15-minute walk away, perfect for a quick international excursion.

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Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the History

The tower offers great photo opportunities, especially with the historic relief and surrounding market.

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Area

Don't just see the tower; wander through the nearby malls, markets, and restaurants for a full experience.

🇵🇱 Bridge to Poland

The Polish border is a short 15-minute walk away, perfect for a quick international excursion.

What Travellers Say

4.5
(655 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Dicker Turm a beautiful and historically significant landmark in Görlitz, appreciated for its impressive thick walls and the relocated Briccius Gauske relief. Its central location amidst markets and shops adds to its appeal, offering a lively atmosphere and easy access to other attractions, including a short walk to Poland.

"The Thick Tower was erected in 1250 (it was mentioned as early as 1305). It is also known as Stone Tower due to its location at the exit of Steinstraße (Stone street).
Over the centuries, the appearance of the building has changed only slightly.
The tower is 46 meters tall and its walls in the lower part are 5.34 m thick.
The stone bas-relief of Briccius Gauske was added in 1852. Initially it was placed in the outer Women's Gate, however that gate was demolished in 1852 and the relief was transferred to its present location.
Maria and Barbara hold the coat of arms of the city given in 1433 by Emperor Sigismund."

Anna Krzak

"Beautiful tower with interesting history. This tower is surrounded by many shopping malls, Restaurants (including halal kebab haus), Open fruit and flower market, Natural Museum and many more. Bridge to Poland 🇵🇱 is just 15 mins. away by walk."

Saba Raffay

"A tower bearing an impress of genius"

Phan Quốc Dũng

What People Like

Impressive historical architecture
Interesting Briccius Gauske relief
Central location with markets

What People Dislike

Limited access to climb inside

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Dicker Turm, also known as Frauenturm, is located in the heart of Görlitz's old town. It's easily accessible on foot if you're already exploring the city center. Public transport options are available to reach the vicinity, with local buses and trams stopping nearby. Parking can be challenging in the old town, so consider public transport or walking if possible.

Yes, the Dicker Turm is conveniently located. Travelers mention that the bridge to Poland is just about a 15-minute walk away, making it easy to combine a visit with a short trip across the border.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Dicker Turm is a historical landmark visible from the outside. There is no admission fee to view the tower and its exterior features. You can freely walk around and admire its architecture and the Briccius Gauske relief.

As an external monument, the Dicker Turm does not have specific opening hours. It can be viewed at any time. However, the surrounding markets and shops operate on standard business hours, typically closing in the evening.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The area around the Dicker Turm is bustling. You'll find numerous shopping malls, restaurants (including halal options), and an open fruit and flower market. The Natural Museum is also nearby, and it's a great starting point for exploring Görlitz's historic old town.

Absolutely! Visitors describe it as a beautiful tower with an interesting history. Its impressive thickness and the relocated stone relief add to its charm. Plus, its central location makes it a convenient and rewarding stop.

Erected around 1250 and mentioned as early as 1305, the Dicker Turm was part of Görlitz's medieval defense system. Its walls are remarkably thick, over 5 meters in the lower section. The stone relief of Briccius Gauske was added in 1852 after its original location was demolished.

Information about climbing the Dicker Turm is not readily available, and it's generally viewed as an exterior landmark. The focus is on its historical architecture and its place within the vibrant city center.

📸 📸 Photography

The Dicker Turm itself, with its imposing structure and thick walls, makes for a striking subject. The Briccius Gauske relief offers a detailed historical element. Capturing the tower with the lively market in the background can also yield dynamic shots.

Yes, the tower is quite prominent and accessible. You can get good shots from various angles in the surrounding streets. Consider visiting during different times of day to play with the light and capture the atmosphere.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Dicker Turm itself is a solid, imposing structure that can capture a child's imagination as a 'fat tower' or 'stone tower' from olden times. While there's no playground directly at the tower, the surrounding area offers plenty of stimulation. The open fruit and flower market is visually engaging with its colors and activity. Nearby shopping malls can provide a break with indoor spaces, and the Natural Museum offers educational opportunities that can be fun for younger visitors. The proximity to the Polish border also presents a simple adventure of crossing a bridge.

🚶‍♂️ Budget Travelers

Visiting the Dicker Turm is a fantastic free activity. You can admire its impressive architecture and the historical relief without spending a euro. The surrounding open market is a great place to experience local life and perhaps grab an affordable snack. Walking to the Polish border is also a cost-free way to extend your exploration. For meals, exploring the diverse restaurant options or picking up items from the market can help keep food costs down.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Architecture of the Dicker Turm

The Dicker Turm, also known as Frauenturm or Stone Tower, is a significant historical monument in Görlitz, dating back to around 1250. Its imposing 46-meter height and exceptionally thick walls (over 5.3 meters at the base) highlight its original purpose as a crucial part of the city's medieval defense mechanism. Over the centuries, its appearance has remained largely unchanged, preserving its historical integrity.

One of the most notable features is the stone bas-relief of Briccius Gauske, added in 1852. This relief was originally placed on the outer Women's Gate, which was demolished in the same year. Its transfer to the Dicker Turm ensured its preservation. The relief depicts figures holding the coat of arms of the city, a symbol of Görlitz's historical importance, granted in 1433 by Emperor Sigismund. This blend of defensive architecture and artistic embellishment makes the Dicker Turm a fascinating site for history enthusiasts.

Experiencing the Dicker Turm's Surroundings

The Dicker Turm is not just a standalone monument; it's integrated into the vibrant fabric of Görlitz's city center. The tower is surrounded by a lively mix of shopping malls, offering modern retail experiences, and a variety of restaurants, including mentions of halal options like Kebab Haus, catering to diverse tastes. The presence of an open fruit and flower market adds a splash of color and local flavor, providing a sensory experience that contrasts with the historical stone of the tower.

This central location makes the Dicker Turm an excellent starting point for further exploration. The Natural Museum is nearby, offering insights into the region's natural history. Furthermore, for those looking to venture further, the bridge to Poland is a mere 15-minute walk away, presenting a unique opportunity for a brief international excursion. This combination of historical significance and modern amenities makes the Dicker Turm a dynamic point of interest in Görlitz.

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