Gdansk

Gdansk (known historically as Danzig) is located in the northern part of Poland, on the Baltic Sea coast. Its old town is a real jewel box, the unique colorful houses, small streets, and the church bells ringing again and again create an atmosphere as if we were traveling back in time. However, most of the buildings that we can see today are not that old…

The Great Armory

Mariacka Street

Gdansk Old Town

To understand and get to know Gdansk to some extent, a brief historical overview is essential.

The city was already an important trading center in the Middle Ages , due to its excellent location: first it was occupied by the Teutonic Knights, then it became a member of the Hanseatic League. From the 15th century it belonged to the Kingdom of Poland, and in addition to trade, it became important mainly for shipbuilding. At the end of the 18th century it came under Prussian rule, so the German-speaking population became the majority.

After World War I, it became an autonomous territory under the name of the Free City of Danzig, although it was under Polish control. The aim was to provide Poland with a port on the Baltic Sea, but it also had to take into account the fact that its population was almost exclusively German - for this reason it did not automatically become part of Poland. However, the provisions cut off Germany's access to the Baltic Sea, which contributed significantly to the outbreak of World War II.

Danzig became the focus of Hitler's interest, and this became his greatest misfortune. Hitler demanded Danzig from Poland and the creation of a corridor between Germany and East Prussia, which was also under his jurisdiction. The Poles refused.

Then World War II began in Danzig on September 1, 1939, when the Polish forces stationed there were shelled by Nazi German warships. After that, the fate of the city was sealed. Although they were Poland's allies, the French and British were in no hurry to help. Hence the famous French saying, which is more of a poetic question: "Die for Danzig?" The Allies thought that Danzig was not worth the sacrifice. So, first the Germans occupied it, and then the Soviet "liberation" reached them too. Then the previously autonomous area became part of Poland, which belonged to the Soviet bloc. By then, however, only ruins remained of the once flourishing trading city.

Gdansk was rebuilt practically from scratch, with the persistent work of Poles who arrived after the German population was evacuated.

So, the buildings we see today were mostly built after 1947, on the site of a city that was literally razed to the ground. Despite this, or even with this, Gdansk is great, definitely worth a visit. It is directly accessible by plane from several European cities, including Budapest.

What should we see in Gdansk?

• Basilica of St. Mary + Astronomical Clock

  
  

Astronomical Clock in Basilica of St. Mary

• Royal Chapel

  
  

• Ulica Mariacka (Mariacka Street) - workshops selling amber jewelry

Mariacka Street

Mariacka Street

Mariacka Street

• Four Seasons Fountain

  
  

• Neptune Fountain + Arthur 's Court

Neptun Fountain

• Zlota Brama (Golden Gate)

  
  

• Ulica Dluga (Long Street)

• Dlugi Targ (Long Market)

  
  

• Mary's Gate

  
  

• Green gate

  
  

• City Hall building

  
  

• Zlota Kamiennica (Golden House)

  
  

• City Hall in miniature

  
  

• Uphagen House

  
  

• St. Bridget's Church: Amber Altar

  
  

• Love Bridge

  
  

• Thermometer

  
  

• Amber Sky

Amber Sky Carousel

• Riverbank + Nowa Motława

Soldek

Nowa Motława

Amber Sky and I love Gdansk sign

Museums

• Amber Museum:

  Gdansk is also known as the capital of amber. It was the site of the famous trade route, the Amber Road, which connected the Roman Empire with the Baltics.

  The museum explains how amber was created: contrary to popular belief, it is not a mineral, but fossilized pine resin, which can be up to 45-50 million years old and is found on the Baltic Sea coast. It often preserves the remains of ancient insects or plants, which makes it particularly valuable.

  Its processing is still an important craft activity in the city, and the exhibition shows what it can be used for: not only jewelry, but also household items, musical instruments, altars and countless other objects were made from it. The exhibition is also interesting for children, because there are many interactive games related to amber in the museum. You can read more about amber here.

• Museum of the Second World War:

  It presents the history of World War II and its impact on the population in a spectacular and very shocking way.

• European Solidarity Centre (Museum of Solidarity):

  An interactive museum that tells the story of the Solidarity trade union, founded in the Gdańsk shipyard. It was the first trade union in the Eastern Bloc, which eventually grew into a massive mass movement and played a significant role in accelerating the collapse of the Soviet bloc. Its leader was Lech Walesa, who is revered as a national hero and became President of Poland in the 1990s, and the Gdańsk airport is even named after him.