The port
city situated on the Bay of Gdansk once called Aurea
Porta-the Golden Gate of the Commonwealth-Gdansk is
proud of its one thousand–year history. The name refers
to that period when Gdansk was the greatest port on
the Baltic and a member of Hanseatic League. Its wealth
was mainly due to the exports of grain to Western Europe.
Rich collections of old records, pieces of art and splendid
monuments of architecture testify to the historical
heritage of the city.
The urban complex of great historic and artistic value
includes monuments from different epochs- churches,
palaces, city gates and walls, fortifications.
The Main Town is the most beautiful and the most frequented
part of the city. Here starts the Royal Route, which
runs along the present-day Dluga and Dlugi Targ Streets,
the traditional entry point for kings visiting Gdansk.
Both streets are lined with beautifully decorated houses
once owned by wealthy burghers. They are dominated by
a tall slim tower of the Town Hall from which enfolds
a panoramic view over the city and its outskirts. The
Town Hall’s sumptuous interiors contain many valuable
works of art by the 16th century Flemish and Gdansk
masters. Today it houses the Historical Museum of Gdansk.
The most valuable monuments in Gdansk: the Church of
the Blessed Virgin Mary-one of the largest Gothic churches
in the world, the Old Crane on the Motlawa river, the
Artus Court-the wealthy burgers’meeting place in olden
times, the Neptune Fountain.
As you'd expect from one of Europe's historic cities,
Gdansk has much to offer to captivate lovers of the
arts. A splendid array of museums, galleries and quirky
annual festivals means that culture vultures won't
be pecking at dry bones here. Well worth a mention
in the Summer program is the International Festival
of Open Air and Street Theatre, which sees troupes
from across the world descend on the city. Expect
a good spread of eccentric fellows in strange-coloured
suits swanning about on stilts and other more fantastical
contraptions. In fact, expect the unexpected - as
invariably you are as much a part of the show as the
actors themselves - great fun! Organ and Chamber Music
Festivals are also part of the Summer program, and
it's worth to look out for one-offs in some of the
city's splendid churches and historic venues. Throughout
the year the National Philharmonic and Opera House
stages a fine mix of concerts, opera and ballet.
Sightseeing in Gdansk:
Half-day city tour of the Old Town (the Town Hall,
St.Catherine Church, St.Bridget Church, Polish Post
Museum).
Full-day city tour: the Old Town and the Main Town:
the Royal Route, the Golden Gate, the Long Market,
the Arthus Court, the Town Hall in Gothic style, the
Neptune Fountain, the Old Crane on the Motlawa river,
the ancient granaries, St.Mary’s Church, Oliwa Cathedral
with an organ concert.
Gdansk museums: Historic Museum, Maritime Museum,
Amber Musuem
Full-day excursion Gdansk-Malbork-Gdansk: guided tour
of the castle (on the UNESCO
World Cultural Heritage list) a former residence of
the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, transformed
into medieval art museum.
Full-day excursion Gdansk-Krynica-Frombork-Gdansk
Krynica Morska-a very popular seaside resort, along
the Jantarowe Wybrzeze (Amber Coast) with its beautiful
sandy beaches and dunes.
Guided tour of Frombork: Copernicus museum, the Frombork
Hill with its magnificent Cathedral, Copernicus Tower.
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