Gdańsk attractions

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Gdańsk, on the shores of the Baltic Sea, was a dominant city in the Middle Ages, so it has plenty to offer.

The most important port of Poland and the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship. In the early modern period, Gdańsk was a royal city of Poland. Before Warsaw’s rapid growth in the 18th century, it was considered Poland’s richest and largest city. In the late Middle Ages, it was an important maritime port and shipbuilding city, and in the 14th and 15th centuries, it was a member of the Hanseatic League.

Gdańsk attractions

St. Mary’s Church

One of Gdańsk’s most significant attractions is one of the world’s largest brick churches.

The Gothic basilica in the old town began construction in 1343 and took nearly a century and a half to complete. It has monumental dimensions: 105 meters long, with an interior height of 66 meters, and a tower 77.6 meters tall. It can accommodate up to 25,000 people at once.

Inside, numerous outstanding artworks can be found, including the massive Gothic main altar created in 1467 and Hans Memling’s famous „Last Judgment” triptych. From the church tower, there is a wonderful view of the old town and the Baltic Sea coast.

Artus Court

One of Gdańsk’s most famous historical buildings located in the city’s main square.

Originally a meeting place for wealthy merchants and nobles of the medieval Hanseatic League, it was named after the legendary British ruler, King Arthur. The first building was erected in the 14th century, but it was rebuilt in Gothic style at the end of the 15th century, later enriched with Renaissance and Baroque elements.

The impressive wooden ceiling and decorated walls of the great hall are adorned with rich reliefs, paintings, and carvings. The most impressive attraction is the huge Renaissance stove created in 1545, standing 12 meters tall, which is one of Europe’s most beautiful ceramic stoves.

Neptune Fountain

Standing in the main square in front of Artus Court, the fountain is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

The bronze statue was created in 1615 by Peter Husen and Johann Rogge and was erected in 1633. The creation, which combines Renaissance and Mannerist stylistic features, depicts Neptune, the god of the sea, standing on an ornate pedestal with a trident in his hand.

Legend has it that Neptune once grew tired of the people of Gdańsk throwing gold coins into the fountain, so he stirred the water with his trident, creating the famous Gdańsk Goldwasser liqueur that contains gold flakes.

Gdańsk Crane (Żuraw)

The monumental medieval crane is one of the most well-known port structures of the Hanseatic cities and Europe’s oldest preserved loading crane.

The original structure was built in the 14th century, then rebuilt between 1442 and 1444 when it reached its current form. It served simultaneously as a port crane and city gate, making it a unique building due to its dual function. The structure consists of two huge brick towers connected by a massive wooden crane. The mechanism could lift weights of up to 2 tons to a height of 11 meters, thus playing a key role in port loading and mast installation.

Today it operates as part of the Gdańsk National Maritime Museum, where visitors can learn about medieval port life in Gdańsk and the city’s maritime past.

Brama Wyżynna (Highland Gate)

One of the city’s most significant historical gates was part of the old fortification system.

The impressive Renaissance-style building was constructed at the end of the 16th century based on designs by Flemish architect Willem van den Blocke. The gate was originally Gdańsk’s main entrance, located at the beginning of the Royal Route (Droga Królewska), and served as the first sight for travelers entering the city.

The façade of the gate features rich decorations and symbolic elements referring to Gdańsk’s historical significance.

St. Catherine’s Church

One of Gdańsk’s oldest and most important churches was built in the 13th century.

The church’s patron saint is Catherine of Alexandria, and during the Middle Ages, it was under the authority of the Teutonic Knights. During World War II, the church suffered significant damage but was restored after the war. In 2006, a severe fire damaged it again, but it was subsequently rebuilt.

One of its most outstanding features is its 76-meter-high tower, which houses an impressive carillon. The carillon plays regularly. The interior of the building is impressive, with Gothic arches and valuable artworks. Johannes Hevelius, the famous 17th-century Polish astronomer, is buried here.

Shakespeare Theatre

The modern cultural center revives the 17th-century theatrical traditions of Gdańsk.

In the 17th century, an English playhouse already operated at the site of the theater, which was one of the first permanent theaters in Poland. Gdańsk was then one of the most important cultural centers of the Hanseatic cities, and William Shakespeare’s works were regularly performed.

Its specialty is the openable roof structure, which allows for outdoor performances, similar to the original Globe Theatre in London. It annually hosts the Gdańsk International Shakespeare Festival, one of the world’s most significant Shakespeare events.

Motława Riverfront

One of the city’s most vibrant areas runs along the Motława River.

The promenade along the bank is lined with colorful historical buildings, cozy cafes, restaurants, and tourist boat docks. Many former warehouse buildings have been converted into hotels, restaurants, and museums.

One of the promenade’s attractions is the Green Bridge (Zielony Most), which connects the historical old town with Granary Island.

European Solidarity Centre

The institution presents the history of the Solidarity movement and democratic changes in Poland.

It opened in 2014 near the famous Lenin Shipyard, where in the 1980s, worker resistance began under the leadership of Lech Wałęsa. This later played a significant role in the fall of communism in East-Central Europe.

The center’s modern, industrial-style building is covered with rust-colored steel plates reminiscent of a ship’s form, referring to its shipyard past. Inside the building are interactive exhibitions, archives, and conference rooms. The permanent exhibition documents the history of the Solidarity movement, the workers’ struggle, and the transition process with multimedia tools, original objects, and personal recollections.

All information can be found here!