Gdańsk, a historic port city on the Baltic coast of Poland, is known for its rich maritime history, stunning architecture, and role in shaping both Polish and European history. Together with Gdynia and Sopot, it forms the Tri-City metropolitan area, but Gdańsk is the cultural heart of the region.
The city’s Old Town, rebuilt after World War II, is a vibrant mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The Main Town Hall, with its tall spire, and the majestic St. Mary’s Church, one of the largest brick churches in the world, are key landmarks. Długie Pobrzeże (the Long Embankment) along the Motława River offers picturesque views of colorful merchant houses and the iconic medieval crane, Żuraw, once used for loading ships.
Gdańsk’s history as a center of trade and craftsmanship is reflected in its Amber Museum, as the city has been a major hub for amber trading for centuries. The cobblestone streets of the Long Market (Długi Targ) are lined with amber shops, cafes, and historical monuments like Neptune’s Fountain.
Gdańsk is also famous for its role in modern history. It was here, in 1980, at the Gdańsk Shipyard, that the Solidarity (Solidarność) movement, led by Lech Wałęsa, began. This labor movement played a key role in ending communist rule in Poland and across Eastern Europe. The European Solidarity Centre, located near the shipyard, is a museum and cultural center dedicated to the history of Solidarity and its global impact.
With its combination of historical significance, vibrant cultural life, and proximity to the Baltic Sea, Gdańsk is a captivating city that reflects Poland’s rich past and dynamic present.
