Essentially flattened during WWII, the historical core of the city has been meticuluosly restored and can boast a bevy of fascinating sights presented to a gorgeous background of Hanseatic architecture. If you’re pressed for time then do your best to squeeze in Gdańsk’s tourist highlights. The old town is where you’ll find all the action and the sensible start point is The Upland Gate, which marks the start of what was once known as the Royal Road. Following this route you’ll pass by main town hall (home of the Gdańsk History Museum), the Neptun fountain and Artus Court, before finishing at the Green Gate. Ulica Mariacka ranks as the cities most picturesque street and is dominated by the biggest brick church in the world: St Mary’s. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. Nearby 15th century Żuraw stands on the rivers edge, a hulking reminder of Gdańsk’s merchant past. Across the river the Granary buildings serve as a somber memory of the havoc wreaked by WWII, while the Maritime Museum (including the ship Sołdek) provides an interesting look at the history of Polish seafaring. The old town’s compact nature means that it is easy enough to hit major landmarks such as St John’s Church, the Great Mill and Great Armoury within a short walk. Just out of old town do not dare miss the Roads to Freedom exhibition in the shipyards – a moving tribute to the Solidarity movement. WWII buffs should not miss the ferry ride up to the Westerplatte peninsula: where the first shots of the war were fired.
St. Mary's in the Old Town is believed to be the largest brick church in the world, though frankly right now it looks like the largest scaffolding
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The main part of the museum is located inside three Renaissance granaries and if you've only got time to visit one of the four museums this is by far the
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This magnificent four-arched gatehouse on the waterfront was built as a palace for Polish monarchs. No Polish king ever stayed in the building, but Lech
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Latest Comments
Amber Museum The best museum I have ever visited! The amber pieces were incredible! Especially the Fedner Starocatrer was worth seeing!! About the torture museum: Susana is right. I think it's gruesome too.[...]
Roads to Freedom I was bitterly disappointed not to see the roads to freedom exhibition during my visit to Gdansk as it is currently closed (14th to 31st March 2008) - no reason given.[...]
Latest Comments
The best museum I have ever visited! The amber pieces were incredible! Especially the Fedner Starocatrer was worth seeing!! About the torture museum: Susana is right. I think it's gruesome too.[...]
I think it's gruesome[...]
I was bitterly disappointed not to see the roads to freedom exhibition during my visit to Gdansk as it is currently closed (14th to 31st March 2008) - no reason given.[...]