If you’re looking for a city that’s rich in history, Gdansk is definitely worth a visit. Located in Northern Poland (Pomeranian Voivodeship), Gdansk is known for its beautiful architecture, charming streets, and fascinating museums.
As a city that has been through a lot over the centuries, Gdansk has plenty of historic sites that are sure to capture your interest.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Gdansk is the Main Town Hall, which dates back to the 14th century. This stunning Gothic building is located in the heart of the city and is a must-see for anyone interested in history or architecture.
Another popular destination is the Museum of the Second World War, which provides a comprehensive look at the events leading up to and during the war from a Polish perspective.
In addition to these well-known sites, there are plenty of other historic landmarks and buildings to explore in Gdansk. Whether you’re interested in learning about the city’s rich maritime history, its role in World War II, or its cultural heritage, there’s something for everyone in this fascinating city.
Table of Contents
Historic Map of Gdansk
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Historical Background of Gdansk
Gdańsk (also known as Danzig) is a city in northern Poland, situated on the Baltic coast. It is one of the oldest cities in Poland, with a rich and fascinating history that spans over a thousand years. The city has been inhabited since the 7th century and has been ruled by a variety of different powers over the centuries.
During the Middle Ages, Gdańsk was an important member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful economic and political alliance of merchant cities in Northern Europe. The city’s location on the Baltic Sea made it an important center for trade, and it became a hub for the export of amber, timber, and other goods.
In the 16th century, Gdańsk became a center of the Protestant Reformation, and the city played an important role in the religious and political conflicts of the time. The city was also the birthplace of the astronomer Johannes Hevelius, who made important contributions to the field of astronomy.
In the 20th century, Gdańsk was the site of some of the most important events in modern European history. The city was heavily damaged during World War II, and it was the site of the first shots of the war, fired by German forces against Polish defenders at the Westerplatte peninsula. After the war, Gdańsk became part of Poland, and the city played an important role in the Solidarity movement, which helped bring an end to communist rule in Poland.
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The Royal Route
If you want to experience the grandeur of Gdansk’s past, you must take a walk along the Royal Route. This historic street, once used for parades, royal processions, and other celebrations, is now a popular tourist destination that should not be missed.
The Royal Route starts at the High Gate (Brama Wyżynna) and leads through the center of Gdansk, passing by many of the city’s most famous landmarks.
As you stroll down the street, you’ll see the beautiful Long Market (Długi Targ), which is lined with colorful buildings and filled with outdoor cafés and street performers.
One of the highlights of the Royal Route is the Neptune Fountain (Fontanna Neptuna), which was built in 1633. This stunning statue of the Roman god of the sea is located in the center of the Long Market and is surrounded by other historic buildings, such as the Artus Court (Dwór Artusa) and the Golden Gate (Złota Brama).
As you continue down the Royal Route, you’ll come across the Green Gate (Brama Zielona), which was built in the 16th century as a residence for Polish kings. This beautiful building now houses the National Museum in Gdansk and is open to visitors.
Visit the Gdansk National Museum 🔗 on TripAdvisor
The Museum is closed on Monday’s.
Tuesday to Sunday they are open from 11am until 6pm.
Another must-see attraction on the Royal Route is the Uphagen House (Dom Uphagena), which is located near the end of the street. This historic building was once the home of a wealthy merchant and has been beautifully restored to its former glory. Inside, you’ll find a museum that showcases the life and times of the Uphagen family.
St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church, also known as the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of the most significant historic sites in Gdansk. Here’s what you need to know about this iconic landmark.
Architecture
St. Mary’s Church is a Brick Gothic-style Catholic church located in central Gdansk, Poland. It is often regarded as the largest brick church in the world, with its massive 78m-high tower dominating the Gdansk skyline.
The church’s exterior is decorated with intricate details, including a stunning astronomical clock and the largest stained glass window in Poland.
Inside, you’ll find 31 chapels and over 300 tombstones, each with its unique design and historical significance. The church’s main altar is a true masterpiece, featuring a stunning depiction of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Historical Significance
St. Mary’s Church has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 13th century. It was originally built as a parish church and was later expanded into a grand basilica.
The church has witnessed many significant events throughout history, including the coronation of King Stefan Batory in 1576 and the signing of the Treaty of Oliva in 1660.
During World War II, the church suffered significant damage, with its tower collapsing in 1945. However, it was meticulously restored to its former glory in the years following the war, and today it stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Gdansk.
Gdansk Main Town Hall
If you’re looking for a historic site to visit in Gdansk, the Main Town Hall is a must-see. Located in the Śródmieście district, this Gothic-Renaissance building is one of the city’s finest examples of historic architecture.
It was built in the 14th century at the intersection of Ulica Długa and Długi Targ, which is one of the most popular parts of Gdansk.
The Main Town Hall was originally the seat of the city authorities, and it has hosted many visiting Polish kings over the centuries. The building has been rebuilt and embellished throughout time, with the most significant renovation occurring in the 16th century.
Today, the Main Town Hall is home to the Museum of Gdansk, which celebrates the city’s rich and vibrant 1000-year-long history.
The museum features a collection of over 300,000 artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and historical documents. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which cover everything from the city’s medieval origins to its role in World War II.
One of the highlights of the Main Town Hall is its Renaissance Hall, which is one of the most beautiful in Northern Europe. The hall features intricate woodwork, colorful frescoes, and a stunning ceiling with a golden sunburst design.
The hall was used for important city events, such as weddings and banquets, and it still serves as a venue for concerts and other cultural events today.
The Great Armoury
The Great Armoury is a historic building located in the Old Town of Gdansk. Built between 1600 and 1609, it was originally used as a working arsenal until the 1800s. Today, it is considered the finest example of Renaissance architecture in the city.
The building is situated on the medieval line of the city walls and was designed by Anton van Obberghen, a Flemish architect. It features a distinctive facade with a row of arcades and a clock tower. The interior of the building is equally impressive, with a large central hall and a series of smaller rooms.
Although the Great Armoury is no longer used as an arsenal, it still serves an important function in the city. It is currently owned by the Gdansk Academy of Fine Arts and is used as an exhibition space for art shows and other cultural events.
Visitors to the Great Armoury can admire the stunning architecture and learn about the building’s rich history. While entrance to the interior is only possible during art exhibitions, the exterior of the building is always visible and a sight to behold.
Neptune’s Fountain
One of Gdansk’s most recognizable landmarks, Neptune’s Fountain is a historic fountain located at Długi Targ in front of the entrance to the Artus Court.
The fountain was constructed in the early 17th century and is a mannerist-rococo masterpiece that has been richly decorated in the Rococo style.
The bronze statue of the Roman god of the sea, Neptune, was first erected in 1549 and was later made into a fountain in 1633. The statue was designed by Abraham van den Blocke, the greatest architect of Gdansk from that period. The present appearance of the statue dates from the rebuilding and renewal in the 18th century.
Neptune’s Fountain is a symbol of Gdansk’s connection with the sea and a charming decoration of the market. It stood on the Royal Route in front of Artus Court thanks to the efforts of the mayor of that time, Bartholomew Schachmann, who was enchanted by the fountain in Bologna.
Today, the fountain is a popular tourist attraction and a great spot for taking photos. It is surrounded by many other historic buildings, including the Artus Court Museum and the Golden House.
If you’re interested in learning more about Neptune’s Fountain, you can visit the official Gdansk tourism website:
Gdansk Crane
Another iconic landmark in Gdansk is the Gdansk Crane or Żuraw Gdański. This historic crane is located on the banks of the Motława River and dates back to the medieval times. It is one of the oldest cranes in Europe and has been an important part of Gdansk’s maritime history.
The Gdansk Crane was built in the 14th century and was used for loading and unloading cargo from ships. The crane was operated by a treadwheel, which was powered by human labor. It was capable of lifting up to four tons of cargo to a height of 11 meters.
Today, the Gdansk Crane is a popular tourist attraction and museum. Visitors can climb to the top of the crane and see the mechanism that was used to lift heavy loads. The museum also has exhibits that showcase the history of the crane and its importance to Gdansk’s maritime trade.
Westerplatte
If you’re interested in the history of Gdansk, a visit to Westerplatte is a must.
This small peninsula was the site of the first battle of World War II on September 1, 1939. The battle lasted for seven days and ended with the surrender of the Polish troops.
Today, Westerplatte is a historic site with a small museum and a towering monument dedicated to the Polish defenders.
The ruins of the former Polish Military Transit Depot (WST) can also be seen, although they have been stabilized and are now walkable.
The League of Nations allowed Poland to station 88 soldiers at Westerplatte from 1926 to 1939. This number increased to 182 by September 1939.
The Polish soldiers were vastly outnumbered by the German forces, which had modern weapons and superior firepower.
Despite the overwhelming odds, the Polish soldiers held out for seven days before surrendering.
Their bravery and sacrifice are remembered to this day and Westerplatte has become an important symbol of Polish resistance during World War II.
If you’re visiting Gdansk, be sure to take the time to visit Westerplatte. It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the Polish people during one of the darkest periods in human history.
European Solidarity Centre
If you are interested in the history of Solidarity, the Polish trade union and civil resistance movement, and other opposition movements of Communist Eastern Europe, you should visit the European Solidarity Centre (ESC) in Gdańsk.
The ESC is a museum and library devoted to the history of Solidarity and the anti-communist democratic opposition in Poland and throughout the world.
The ESC is located on 1 Solidarności Square, on the site of the Gdańsk Shipyard, just next to Gate No. 2 and the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers.
The building, designed by Wojciech Targowski, is regarded as one of the most beautiful modern constructions in Poland. The impressive rusty block resembles a ship’s hull and dominates the landscape of the former shipyard terrain.
The ESC opened on 31 August 2014, and it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Gdańsk.
The five-story building has exhibition rooms, a library, conference rooms, and offices taken by various NGOs rent-free.
The permanent exhibition, which is interactive, brings the history of the Solidarity movement to visitors in a captivating way.
The exhibition is part of the ESC’s mission to commemorate, maintain, and popularize the heritage and message of the Solidarity movement and the anti-communist democratic opposition.
The ESC is not just a museum; it is also a cultural center that hosts various events, such as concerts, film screenings, and lectures.
The center has a café and a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs related to the Solidarity movement and Polish history.
If you want to learn more about the history of Solidarity and the anti-communist democratic opposition, the ESC is a must-visit place in Gdańsk.
Getting to Gdańsk from the Airport 🚍 🚖 🚊 🚘
Travel from Gdansk Airport to Gdansk City
Airport: Lech Wałęsa Airport, Gdansk (IATA: GDN) – Airport Guide
Destination: Gdansk Old Town
1. Train
2. Bus
3. Taxi
4. Ride Share
5. Car Hire
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some must-visit historic sites in Gdansk?
Gdansk is a city rich in history, and there are many historic sites that are worth visiting.
Some of the must-visit sites include the Main Town Hall, St. Mary’s Church, the Golden Gate, and the Green Gate. These sites offer a glimpse into the city’s past and are great places to learn about Gdansk’s history.
Where can I find a map of historic sites in Gdansk?
If you’re looking for a map of historic sites in Gdansk, you can find one at the official Gdansk tourism portal visitgdansk.com.
The website has a section dedicated to tourist maps, where you can find maps of the city’s historic sites.
We have also curated our own shareable map on Google Maps.
Which historic sites in Gdansk are considered the best?
The best historic sites in Gdansk are subjective and depend on personal preference. However, some of the most popular sites among tourists include the Main Town Hall, St. Mary’s Church, and the Golden Gate.
These sites are not only historically significant but also offer stunning architecture and beautiful views.
Is there an old town in Gdansk?
Yes, Gdansk has an old town, which is one of the city’s main attractions.
The old town is home to many historic sites, including the Main Town Hall, St. Mary’s Church, and the Golden Gate.
It’s also a great place to explore on foot, with its cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture.
What is the significance of Gdansk in history?
Gdansk has a rich history, and it has played an important role in many significant events throughout history.
The city was an important center of trade in the Middle Ages and was a member of the Hanseatic League. It was also the site of the first battle of World War II and was heavily damaged during the war.
What is the oldest building in Gdansk?
The oldest building in Gdansk is the St. Mary’s Church, which dates back to the 14th century. The church is an important landmark in the city and is one of the largest brick churches in the world. It’s also home to many works of art, including the famous astronomical clock.
