Gdańsk – a green city
In Gdańsk the issue of environment protection is given an exceptionally high priority, as is evidenced by its numerous environmental investments. The nature was very generous here. Sprawling on the southern Baltic coast, Gdańsk gains a lot thanks to its background of the picturesque Tri-City Landscape.
Gdańsk – always hospitable
Gdańsk invites visitors to its charming lanes and historic interiors, bathing grounds on the sea and sailing courses, comfortable hotels, elegant restaurants, and cosy cafes. The city has several theatres, a philharmonic hall, opera house, outdoor summer musical stage, three multi-cinema complexes, youth clubs, pubs, and discos. Its numerous museums, concerts, fairs, exhibitions, and street theatrical events complete the broad spectrum of the city’s cultural offer. Everyone will find something of his liking.
Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot – the Tricity
The Tricity, an urban complex extending along the Bay of Gdańsk, is one of Poland’s largest tourist attractions. Each of the cities making up the Tricity offers a different atmosphere. Gdańsk is a Hanseatic town more than 1,000 years old, while the lively Sopot and Gdynia are proof of the economic spirit of the Poles who, having regained their independence in 1918 after a century and a half of occupation, took less than 10 years to build one of the greatest ports on the Baltic. The history of the Tricity is an important element of the contemporary consciousness of every Pole: it was here that the strikes of 1970, 1980 and 1988 set in motion the destruction of the communist system. In 1980, Lech Wałęsa led the strike at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdańsk, which became the cradle of the Solidarity social movement. The trade union leader went on to become the president of Poland and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Swimming, strolling, or maybe a cruise? Sightseeing around the Tricity is relatively simple, because the cities are like beads on a string – the transport corridor linking Gdańsk with Gdynia. The charms of living in the Tricity combine harmoniously with natural attractions. The coastline offers a variety of environments, from the sandy beaches in Sopot and Gdańsk and the lowland coast of the Bay of Puck, to the cliff coastline of Redłowo and Oksywie. The vitality of flora and fauna on Sobieszewska Island, at the mouth of the Vistula, is truly amazing.
Gdańsk – the City of Freedom
Gdańsk is as old as Poland itself. Located on the sea coast of the Baltic and at the mouth of the Vistula, Gdańsk was the Polish gateway to the sea, a thriving, wealthy city, an important Hanseatic port and a Free City. In the 20th century, Gdańsk was the scene of the first battle of the Second World War. Like the heroes of ancient Thermopylae, the heroic defenders of Westerplatte wrote a chapter in the history of this majestic city. Being so prosperous, the city of Gdańsk was often besieged by mercenary armies and had to defend its sovereignty. It is no wonder that here in Gdańsk, the Solidarity movement struggling for freedom was born. For centuries, ships from all over the world have moored at the Gdańsk waterfront. Here, today,
tourists can board pleasure boats to take them on a cruise along the Baltic coast.
The Old Town, also known as the Main Town, developed along ulica Długa (Long Street) and Długi Targ (Long Market). Ending at the Golden and Green Gates, these streets are lined with many historical monuments, art galleries and jewellers’ workshops. Here, one finds the Gothic Town Hall and the Artus Court where the town’s patricians played host to royals. The nearby Golden House symbolises the affluence of the local burghers. The Neptune Fountain is a meeting point popular with tourists and lovers alike. It is here that the majority of Gdańsk summer art festivals are held, as well as the famous Dominican Fair which attracts many visitors from all over the world. A real masterpiece of architecture is the little ulica Mariacka (St Mary’s Street) with its narrow houses and spacious terraces under which are located galleries of amber jewellery. The Oliwa Cathedral is not to be missed: its showpiece is a magnificent organ noted for its fine tone and baroque ornamentation using mechanized figures. Sopot and Gdynia are the closest neighbouring ities near Gdańk- Sopot is an international health resort and a cultural entre. People come here for rest, recreation and entertainment in style. Many stroll along the water on the 500 metre-long local pier. Gdynia is the host to Poland’s leading film festival. Moored on its waterfront are two famous museum ships: the Second World War destroyer Błyskawica and the three-masted tall ship Dar Pomorza.
HISTORIC SITES – THE REMINDERS OF GDAńSK’S SPLENDOUR
Tourists usually begin a stroll through historical Gdańsk on the Royal Way, the several-hundred-metre long main axis of the old city. The Royal Way starts from the Renaissance Wyżynna (Upland) Gate (1586-1588), once part of the city’s western fortifications. Right behind it is the Torture House and the Prison Tower, built in the 14 th century and subsequently converted. Nearby, on the left-hand side, is the Great Armory (1600-1609) – Gdańsk’s former arsenal. This building is considered Gdańsk’s best example of Dutch Mannerism. Nearby is Złota (Golden) Gate (1612-1614), another example of Mannerist architecture. This gate opens Długa Street, where the wealthiest Gdańsk residents used to live. Among the many houses with fascinating fasades is the Uphagen House, 12 Długa St., which has been a museum since 1910. This house includes examples of the gloriously rich historic interiors of an upper-class Gdańsk home, with original fittings. Near the far end of Długa Street stands the Main Town Hall, dating from the late 13 th early 14 th century. Its size and form are proof of Gdańsk’s former splendor. Many elements (stoves, painted ceilings, wood panelling and furniture) have been preserved in the interiors, which were once famous throughout Europe for their luxury and refinement. The Town Hall opens Gdańsk’s most characteristic area – the wide Długi Targ (Long Market) Street, with beautiful, excellently reconstructed tenement houses. These include the Artus Court from the second half of the 15th century, which was the meeting place of wealthy Gdańsk citizens. The magnificent late-Gothic façade conceals spacious interiors, which house a 12-m-tall Renaissance ceramic tile stove, old ship models and many other beautiful items. The building’s huge cellars house a wine cellar and a restaurant. In front of the Artus Court is the large 17 th-century Rococo Neptune fountain, the symbol of the city and a meeting place for lovers.
