The Rosencrantz Tower lies near to the harbour and ferry port of Bergen, in a strategically vital spot. King Magnus the Lawmender built a medieval structure in the thirteenth century. This was substantially replaced in the 1520s by Jørgen Hanssøn. The Rosencrantz Tower incorporates parts of both these structures. It was built by the governor of Bergenhus (Bergen Castle) Erik Rosencrantz, in the 1560s, and combined the functions of residential palace and defensive fortification. It is administered by the city museum.
