GDAŃSK

Gdańsk is the city at the centre of the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Poland. It is Poland's principal seaport as well as the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship. It is also historically the largest city of the Kashubian region. The city lies on the southern edge of Gdańsk Bay (of the Baltic Sea), in a conurbation with the spa town of Sopot, the city of Gdynia and suburban communities, which together form a metropolitan area called the Tricity (Trójmiasto), with a population of over 800,000. The Old Town (Stare Miasto) is where the main attractions are concentrated and the best place to enter this area is from the Upland Gate.

The Golden Gate (Zlota Brama) marks the beginning of the Royal Route. Dating back to the 16th Century this gate would have been part of the city walls but today only the gate still stands (as does Florianska Gate in Krakow). Dluga Street (Ulica Dluga), which formed part of the Royal Way, is arguably the most picturesque street in Gdansk. Dating back to 1331 Dluga Street was the home of Gdansk's elite town officials, bankers, ship magnates etc. The street still has an air of "money" about it as the beautifully decorated buildings can testify.

Neptune's Fountain in Gdansk's Old Town

As you walk down Dluga Street the Main Town Hall can be found on the left hand side and it dates from the 14th Century. Once home to the famous astronomer Hevelius the building is now open to the public and is worth a visit if only to see the beautifully restored rooms (the Red Room is particularly stunning). Neptune's Fountain is nearby and this beautiful fountain is considered to be the symbol of Gdansk. It is located in front of Artus' Court (an impressive 16th Century mansion). During WWII the fountain was hidden from the Nazis and only returned to it's rightful place in 1954. Executions also used to take place in this square centuries ago.

Old building on Dluga Street, Gdansk

At the end of Dluga Street is the Motlawa river which leads to the Baltic. Here you will always find a variety of vessels moored, not to mention all the amber shops and nautical themed shops. Turning left you are confronted by the sight of the medieval crane or Zuraw. This was originally built in the 14th Century and subsequently rebuilt in the 15th Century after a devastating fire. The crane was used for loading cargo ships and was also used for ship construction.

Walking towards the crane, the second street on the left is St. Mary's Street (Ulica Mariacki) and is arguably the most atmospheric street in Gdansk. The architecture is reminiscent of Amsterdam with ornate steps and guttering adorning each house. Some of the best amber in town can be found on this street. At the end of the street is St Mary's Church which is believed to be the largest brick church in the world-it can hold upto 25,000 people ! If you're feeling fit enough you can climb one of the towers to enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding areas.

St Mary's Church in Gdansk

Alicja Kuck, Aleksandra Strot