In the past, Gdansk was one of the richest cities on the Baltic coast thanks to its active maritime trade. In memory of that era, magnificent merchant houses that belonged to influential guilds have survived in the historic center. Their splendid facades have adorned city streets for centuries.
In Gdansk, every tourist will find something to their liking. In summer, a rich excursion program can be diluted with a rest on the city beach, because even the harsh Baltic Sea sometimes gives people several days of sunny weather. Catholic churches in Gdańsk are classic examples of medieval Gothic, while city mansions and many administrative buildings are works of art in the Renaissance and Baroque styles.
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What to see and where to go in Gdansk?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Royal Route
The path of the Polish kings begins at three city gates - Golden, Villainous and High. It runs along Dluga Street and leads to Dlugi Targ Square, past the ornate facades of city houses. There are many buildings along the Royal Route that are true architectural masterpieces. Today the monarch's trail has become the most popular tourist route in Gdansk.
Fountain of Neptune
The fountain is located on Dlugi Targ Square (translated from Polish, this name means "long market"). The sculptural composition is considered a symbol of Gdansk. She personifies the inextricable link between the city and the sea. The Flemish-style fountain was created by the sculptor A. van der Block in the 17th century. Later, decorative elements were added to the sculpture - a figured lattice and a Rococo-style bas-relief depicting sea monsters.
Artus' courtyard
Artus's courtyard is a complex of buildings on the square in front of the city hall. The name of the place goes back to the legend of King Arthur. In the Middle Ages and Modern Times, city authorities met in the buildings of Artus's Court, merchants concluded their deals, and eminent townspeople held meetings. The complex was built in the XIV century. It burned down at the end of the 15th century and was later rebuilt in the Gothic style.
Main Town Hall
The town hall was erected in the 15th century according to the project of G. Hetsel. The first building was built in the Gothic style. After a fire in the middle of the 16th century, it acquired the features of mannerism. The town hall tower is crowned with the figure of King Sigismund II, created in 1561. The best craftsmen of that time worked on the interior. The building houses a city museum with an interesting historical exposition.
Maryatskaya street
Pedestrian street with a special atmosphere, which is considered one of the most picturesque corners of Gdańsk. Earlier, wealthy citizens settled here, today workshops, souvenir shops, galleries and cafes are located in the former residential buildings. Unfortunately, most of the historic buildings on St. Mary's Street were destroyed during the Second World War. Everything that a tourist sees today is the result of careful restoration.
Abbey Palace in Oliva
A Rococo palace, rebuilt from a 15th century Gothic castle at the expense of the abbot of the Cistercian monastery J. Rybinsky. After the partition of Poland in the 19th century, the building passed into the possession of the noble German Hohenzollern family. By the end of the century, it fell under the jurisdiction of the city authorities. In 1945, the palace burned down completely. The recovery took place in the 1960s. Today one of the departments of the Pomeranian Museum is located there.
Oliwa Cathedral
Picturesque Catholic church of the XIV century, built in the Gothic style. It has impressive dimensions - two symmetrical towers reach a height of 46 meters, the length of the cathedral exceeds 100 meters. Inside there is a magnificent 18th century organ and 23 marble altars, created in the Rococo and Baroque styles. A museum has been opened at the temple, where works of church art of the XIV-XVI centuries are exhibited.
Church of St. Mary
The temple is the largest brick cathedral in Europe, built in the Gothic style. Its construction lasted 150 years and stretched over three centuries. The church tower is over 77 meters high. The interior is decorated with baroque statues and a magnificent 16th century altar by M. Schwartz. The attention of tourists is attracted by the astronomical clock fixed on the facade, created by G. Dühringer in the 15th century.
Church of St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas is the heavenly patron saint of sailors and fishermen. The temple in his honor is considered one of the oldest in Gdansk. In the XII century it was erected from wood, in the XIII century it was rebuilt from stone in the Gothic manner. The interior of the church is made in a luxurious baroque style. The building was not damaged during the Second World War, so its historical appearance has survived to this day practically unchanged.
Golden Gate
The Golden Gate is located on the street. Dluga in the historic center of Gdansk. They were erected at the beginning of the 17th century to replace the old Gothic gates that were part of the city's fortification system. The building was built in the style of Dutch Mannerism by A. van der Block. In the 1940s, during the war, the structure was destroyed, like many other attractions. In 1957, it was restored to its original appearance.
Green gate
The first mention of the Green Gate dates back to the middle of the XIV century. The brick structure in the style of Dutch Mannerism was erected already in the 16th century according to the project of G. Kremer and R. Amsterdam. The gate was built as a royal residence, but the monarchs who arrived in Gdansk almost never stayed here. Since the 2000s, the building houses a branch of the National Museum.
Large arsenal
The impressive building of the Grand Arsenal was built in the Renaissance style according to the design of W. van der Meer and V. It is an outstanding architectural monument of the early 17th century. Until the 19th century, the premises were used for storing weapons and ammunition. Today, the second floor houses the Academy of Fine Arts, the first is given over to a shopping center.
Big mill
The old mill was built in the XIV century by the knights of the Teutonic Order. At that time, it became the largest in Europe. It is surprising that the structure was used for its intended purpose until the end of World War II until it was seriously damaged. It experienced only one major modernization in the 1830s. After restoration, the mill continued to operate until the early 1990s. In 1993 it was converted into a shopping center.
Prison tower
In the 14th century, the Prison Tower was part of the fortress wall. The building underwent several renovations in the 15th and 16th centuries, as a result of which its appearance changed. The tower began to be used for torture and detention of prisoners from the beginning of the 17th century. An execution site was set up nearby. Today, the building houses the Amber Museum, where icons, jewelry, figurines and other products made of this material are exhibited.
Crane on Motlav
Crane na Motława is a maritime museum housed in an original 14th century building. Previously, it served as a crane for loading ships, and also served as a gate and defensive structure. The roof of the structure is crowned with a copper figurine of a crane, which gave the name to the entire complex. The current building is a modern 1960s building. The medieval original was destroyed during the war.
European Solidarity Center
A museum complex telling about the history of the legendary Solidarity movement. This association was formed as a trade union in the 1980s. Just a few days later, its members turned to confrontation with the communist government of Poland.In a short time, about 80% of working citizens have joined Solidarity. In fact, the European Solidarity Center is one of the "anti-Soviet" museums that are in every country that is a former member of the Department of Internal Affairs.
National Museum of Gdansk
The museum exposition is located in a 15th century building that once belonged to a Franciscan monastery. It consists of valuable collections of jewelry, paintings, sculptures and ceramics from the 15th to the 20th century. One of the most valuable exhibits in the collection is the painting by G. Memling "The Last Judgment". It also houses a large collection of paintings by the famous painter A. Möller.
WWII Museum
The museum opened in March 2017 and immediately won the title of the largest in Poland. The main goal of its creators is to highlight the role of Poland in World War II, as well as to focus on the peculiarities of Polish history. The museum consists of three large blocks, divided into 18 thematic halls. With the help of modern multimedia equipment, visitors can watch documentaries and archival footage.
Westerplatte
Memorial complex on the peninsula of the same name. The Second World War began with the shelling of an armory, which had been located here since 1924. The Westerplatte garrison held out for seven days, after which it was taken by German troops. In memory of the heroic defenders of the warehouse on the peninsula, a monument was erected. There are also the ruins of the barracks and one of the guard posts.
Weixelmünde
Fortification of the 15th century along the Vistula, which was once part of the city's defensive system. Several architectural styles were mixed in the appearance of the fortress, since the structure was repeatedly completed over several centuries. Until the middle of the 18th century, a lighthouse was located in the round central tower. Weikselmünde is recognized as an architectural monument of national importance.
Gdansk Railway Station
A large passenger hub that serves many intercity destinations. The station is located in a picturesque Renaissance building, built in the late 19th - early 20th centuries. The facade of the building is made of red bricks, which gives it an elegant and festive look. A clock tower with a height of 50 meters rises above the structure. The inside of the station looks much more modest.
Pge arena
Football stadium for 44 thousand spectators. It hosted the Euro 2012 Cup matches. The arena was built in 2011. In addition to football games, music concerts and festivals are held here, as the stadium's design allows for events of various formats. Bands such as Pet Shop Boys, Iron Maiden and Bon Jovi performed here. The arena also hosted the performance of the circus "Du Soleil".
Gdansk Zoo
The city zoo is considered the largest in Poland. It covers an area of over 130 hectares. A wide variety of animals and birds live on the vast territory of the menagerie. It is impossible to get around the entire zoo in one visit, as it will take at least 4-5 hours. Tourists are offered various routes, each of which is designed for about 30-40 minutes, as well as special transport that goes around the territory in an hour.
Ferris wheel
The Ferris wheel of Gdansk is considered the highest in Europe. It was installed in 2014 in the north of the Spychszów island on the banks of the Moltava. The structure was assembled in Germany. The attraction reaches 55 meters in height, weighs 350 tons and consists of 43 cabins. The wheel makes a full revolution in about 30 minutes. From its highest point, a magnificent panorama of the city opens up.
Elitkovo beach
Despite the fact that the Baltic Sea cannot boast of warm water, there are still many people who want to swim in its waves and sunbathe on the golden sand. In Gdansk, for these purposes, there is the city beach Jelitkowo, perfectly equipped for a relaxing holiday. There is a park, jogging and bike paths, cafes (most are open only during the summer season) and entertainment areas for children.
