6 Essential Things To See In Gdansk

Gdansk is a Polish city that goes unnoticed by many travelers. However, it has great charms that make it one of the jewels of Poland. Next, we show you what to see in Gdansk and what to do to get to know it better and end up falling in love with it. Can you come with us?

Royal Route, the first of the places to see in Gdansk

This is how the path that runs through the old town is known and which allows you to discover a large number of outstanding monuments of Gdansk. Some of them are the doors that give access to different locations: the Puerta Alta, in the Renaissance style; the Green Gate, the oldest in the city; and the Golden Gate, arranged like a triumphal arch.

Another must-see in Gdansk is the Largo Market , which is a square lined with street stalls. And don’t miss  the Neptune Fountain, which represents Gdansk’s relationship with the sea; the Artus Court, a Gothic mansion that houses the headquarters of the city’s Historical Museum; or the Prison Tower, next to the Torture Chamber.

Gdansk City Hall

Separate mention requires the town hall, the main attraction of the Royal Route. The Gothic-style building dates from the 16th century and has a bell tower that marks the hours of the city. This is the second highest in Gdansk and is crowned by the statue of King Sigismund II.

As for the interior of the town hall, the Council Room stands out for its decoration. We are talking about 17th century paintings by Adolf Boy and Herman Han; of a spectacular wooden spiral staircase; ceramic tiles from Delft, as well as other items from demolished houses.

Basilica of Santa Maria

It is considered the largest church in the world made of bricks. It is in the Gothic style, the traditional one for the Baltic area, and was built between the 14th and 16th centuries. Furthermore, its eighty-two-meter bell tower is the tallest in Gdansk. From there you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the city.

Returning to the basilica, it preserves in its interior several works of art saved from destruction during the Second World War ; an image of the patron saint of Gdansk; or the astronomical clock, one of the most famous in the world. It is fourteen meters high and is divided into three levels: the calendar, the planetarium and the mechanical figures.

Great Arsenal                     

It is the most beautiful example of the influence of the Flemish Renaissance. It was built at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as the city’s arsenal, a function that it served until the 19th century. It currently houses the Academy of Fine Arts, located on the first floor; and some commercial galleries, on the ground floor.

The entire building is made of red brick with white decorations to give it more contrast.  It consists of two very different facades. The main one has two entrance doors; a central piece, which is the statue of Minerva; and two octagonal towers. Meanwhile, the other, which overlooks the Coal Market, is much more modest.

Great Mill

Another corner to see in Gdansk. Its origin dates back to the 14th century, although it was shot down by bombers in the middle of World War II. Hence we speak of a reconstruction. Until then it had functioned as a granary and to process flour. Its role today is very different, as it houses a shopping center.

Regarding its architecture, it must be said that it is designed in brick and that it has a gabled roof dotted with small windows. It is also located on an artificial island on the Radunia channel, since it was intended to take advantage of the power of the water to make it work.

Pier walk

Walking along the Motlawa River is one of the best ways to get to know Gdansk. And it is that in this way you can visit, for example, some museum houses of former merchants and the Archaeological Museum. There are also other historic buildings that swirl along the river and that form one of the best sights of the city.

If we continue walking we reach the Old Crane, a huge machine inside a wooden building. In front of it is the Island of Lead, which houses the Maritime Museum, where the Soldek ship, the first ship built in the Gdansk shipyards, is docked.