Walking the streets of Gdansk is essentially an outdoor museum. The historic square and architecture will captivate and take you back in time. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I enjoyed my own independent walking tour. So, I love sharing about how to best experience a Gdansk one day tour.
This historic port on Poland’s Baltic coast is a treasure trove of history, dating back for more than 1,000 years. Gdansk sits on the southern side of Gdansk Bay, along with the city of Gdynia and resort town, Sopot. It lies at the mouth of the Motlawa River. Gdansk is at the center of the Baltic amber (ossified resin) trade. Furthermore, it’s architectural legacy is largely left behind from the “Golden Age” as a city of the Hanseatic League. Overall, the city exhibits a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Rococo architecture styles.
Gdansk is the centre of dramatic history, for example, being taken over by Prussia during the Second Partition of Poland in 1793. Later, Gdansk was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1939, with local Jews facing the Holocaust. After WW II, Gdansk became part of Poland and rebuilt from the war damage. Then, in the 1980’s Gdansk became the centre of Solidarity (trade union) strikes. The Solidarity’s leader, Lech Walesa is recognized as being a central figure for ending communist rule in Poland. In the early 90’s, Poland transitioned to liberal capitalism.
My Gdansk One Day Tour
My shuttle dropped me off near the Long Bridge of the Motlawa Riverfront. Firstly, I walked along the riverfront past historic granaries to the iconic medieval crane, dating back to 1444. Looming over the water you can walk under the crane and see how it works. Turning back around, I headed for the Green Gate as the entrance to the Main Town. The Green Gate is modelled from the Belgian Anterp City Hall in Flemish architecture. Now, the Green Gate houses the National Museum.
When you first walk through the Green Gate you are in the historic Artus Court, with the gorgeously bronzed Neptune (God of the Sea) Fountain. Continuing on the from the Green Gate (east) is the Royal Road taking you to the Golden Gate (west). Most of the colorful architecture here was rebuilt after WW II to replicate the burgher houses, gabled town houses, frescos and bas-reliefs. As you walk down the Royal Road, the looming Gothic-Renaissance Town Hall can’t be missed.
Mariacka Street for jewelry shopping, Amber Museum and St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church is another architectural marvel in central Gdansk. More than 500 years old, this Gothic wonder is one of the largest brick churches in the world. The church has capacity for 25,000 people inside its humble, white walls. For me, this was a first time for seeing a brick church this large with such a simple and plain interior.
Mariacka Street is another scenic thoroughfare, stretching from the Mariacki Church to the Long Bridge. This narrow passage belonged to rich merchants and goldsmiths. Now, jewelry shops and amber galleries line the street.
Additionally, Gdansk has an Amber Museum with artifacts and displays on how to design amber jewelry. It’s located at the Foregate, a former prison. So, there are also exhibits of medieval torture devices. Quite the combination, yet an opportunity to learn about 2 very different sides of history. Overall, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the history and importance of amber.
Overall, Gdansk One Day Tour
Gdansk is such a magnificent place to go back in time to connect with historical landmarks in Poland. And the great thing about Gdansk, tour or not, it’s an awesome place to wander and just take in the atmosphere from all the beautiful architecture and culture echoing its extraordinary history. Wear good walking shoes and just enjoy…
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