Multangular Tower
A well-preserved 10-sided Roman tower, part of York's ancient city walls, showcasing Roman, medieval, and Civil War history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Multangular Tower
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A well-preserved 10-sided Roman tower, part of York's ancient city walls, showcasing Roman, medieval, and Civil War history.
"Impressive ruined Roman tower that formed part of the city wall defences, and is now free to visit."
🎯 Explore Museum Gardens
Combine your tower visit with the beautiful Museum Gardens and other nearby ruins. :park:
🧐 Spot the Stonework
Notice the difference between the Roman lower stones and medieval upper half. :mag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tower's Dual Architecture
Museum Gardens
See the distinct Roman lower half and medieval upper section, a testament to centuries of history.
Civil War Cannonball Scars
North Wall
Spot the visible damage from the English Civil War, a dramatic reminder of past conflicts.
Roman Coffins Display
Inside the Tower
View ancient Roman coffins, offering a glimpse into burial practices of the era.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Roman Roots, Medieval Makeover
Free Exploration in Museum Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
the multangular tower and crenellated walls of york fortress, york, england
🎯 Explore Museum Gardens
Combine your tower visit with the beautiful Museum Gardens and other nearby ruins. :park:
🧐 Spot the Stonework
Notice the difference between the Roman lower stones and medieval upper half. :mag:
⚔️ Look for Cannonball Marks
Find the scars from the English Civil War on the north wall. :crossed_swords:
🏛️ Free to Enter
Enjoy this historic site without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Museum Gardens
Combine your tower visit with the beautiful Museum Gardens and other nearby ruins. :park:
🧐 Spot the Stonework
Notice the difference between the Roman lower stones and medieval upper half. :mag:
⚔️ Look for Cannonball Marks
Find the scars from the English Civil War on the north wall. :crossed_swords:
🏛️ Free to Enter
Enjoy this historic site without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Multangular Tower an impressive and historically significant free attraction within the beautiful Museum Gardens. Its Roman origins, medieval additions, and visible Civil War damage are highlights, offering a tangible connection to York's past. While it's a ruin, its intact nature and free access make it a highly recommended stop for history enthusiasts and families alike.
"The Multangular Tower in the Museum Gardens is the most noticeable and intact structure remaining from the Roman walls. It was constructed as part of a series of eight similar defensive towers.
It is almost 30 feet high and has 10 sides."
Peter Mabon
"Really easy to get to from the museum gardens and is worth it completely. Part of a once much more extensive set of defences its really interesting and well recommended to go see."
Joseph Snitch
"Impressive ruined Roman tower that formed part of the city wall defences, and is now free to visit. The tower was once one of eight along the wall, but is now the only survivor. It is believed that the stone tower originally stood over 10m high.
The Museum Gardens are worth fully exploring, as there are ruins of a number of other historic buildings to see in close proximity."
Andrew Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Multangular Tower is located within the Museum Gardens in York, England. It's easily accessible on foot from the city center and is a key part of the historic city walls.
While there isn't direct parking at the tower, several public car parks are available in York city center, a short walk away. Consider the Museum Gardens car park or nearby city center options. :car:
Yes, York has a main train station and numerous bus routes that stop in the city center, making it easy to reach the vicinity of the Museum Gardens. :bus:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Multangular Tower is free to visit and explore. It's part of the public Museum Gardens. :ticket:
As the tower is within the Museum Gardens, its access is generally tied to the gardens' opening hours, which are typically from dawn till dusk. It's best to check the Museum Gardens' specific hours. :clock10:
The tower itself is an open-air ruin, so it's accessible whenever the Museum Gardens are open. However, access might be restricted during special events or maintenance. :information_desk:
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Multangular Tower is a well-preserved Roman tower that was part of York's ancient city wall defenses. It's notable for its 10 sides and the visible layers of Roman and medieval construction.
You can see the impressive Roman and medieval stonework, including distinct differences in construction. Look for the cannonball damage from the English Civil War and a display of Roman coffins.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the tower and the surrounding Museum Gardens. It's a great place for them to learn about history in an engaging, open-air environment. :child:
A visit to Multangular Tower itself can take around 15-30 minutes. However, if you explore the Museum Gardens and other ruins nearby, you could easily spend an hour or more. :timer:
The tower is an outdoor ruin, and while the surrounding gardens are generally accessible, the tower itself may have uneven surfaces and steps, which could pose challenges for those with significant mobility issues. :wheelchair:
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and crowds. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful. :camerawithflash:
Try capturing the full 10-sided structure from different vantage points within the gardens. Focus on the contrast between the Roman and medieval stonework for detail shots. :iphone:
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and historic sites like Museum Gardens. It's advisable to check local regulations and park rules before flying a drone. :noentrysign:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity for an educational outing without the cost of admission. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens, making it an affordable and engaging day trip. The visual contrast between the old Roman stones and the later medieval additions can also be a fun learning point for children. :child:
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the chance to examine the Civil War cannonball damage, a tangible link to a more recent, yet significant, period of conflict. The presence of Roman coffins further enhances the site's historical depth. Visiting the tower, combined with exploring the nearby ruins in Museum Gardens, provides a rich, multi-layered historical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: Roman to Medieval
Over centuries, the tower was adapted and extended. The upper half showcases medieval masonry, reflecting later periods of fortification and repair. This blend of architectural styles offers a unique visual timeline, allowing visitors to easily distinguish between the eras. It's a fascinating example of how historical sites evolve and are repurposed.
Adding another layer to its story, the tower bears the scars of the English Civil War. Cannonball damage is visible on the north wall, a stark reminder of the conflicts that have shaped Britain. These marks provide a tangible connection to a turbulent period in history, making the tower more than just an ancient ruin but a witness to significant events.
Exploring the Museum Gardens
Beyond the tower, visitors can discover other fascinating ruins, including the remains of St. Mary's Abbey and the Roman Baths. The gardens themselves are beautifully maintained, offering a tranquil escape with scenic views of the River Ouse and the city skyline. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk.
Combining a visit to Multangular Tower with a thorough exploration of the Museum Gardens provides a comprehensive historical and recreational experience. The proximity of these various sites makes it an efficient and rewarding outing for anyone interested in York's rich past.
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