Gdansk…

Today Stuart and I ventured north with a trip to the Polish town of Gdansk. About 3 hours out of Warsaw, Gdansk is simply beautiful. Probably the prettiest Polish city we’d been to.   

We started our visit by walking from the main station - and what a station! Akin to St Pancras in London, it’s a marvel. Fabulous ticket hall and ticket desks too.  

We then walked to the start of the Old Town, through the Golden Gate (a big building with an arch). It is at the start of the long Długi Targ (Long Market), the Main Street that runs all the way through the city via Royal Way to the Motława River.

Along the way we passed lots of colourful houses, all painted with different motifs, cobblestone streets, and lovely shops and cafes.   

We couldn’t miss the huge Main Town Hall en route which simply stunning. Built in the Gothic-Renaissance style, it towers over the city.   

To the left of the town hall is St. Mary’s Church. This church is a brick church built in the Gothic style. It was built between the 14th century and 16th century. It is the largest building in Gdansk and one of the largest brick churches in the world.   

Back on Długi Targ we passed the fancy Neptune’s  Fountain, then Arti’s Court that used to be the meeting place of merchants and the centre of social life in Gdansk, and then on through the Green Gate to the river. 

We walked along admiring the beautiful buildings next to the water. There is a wooden pier along the river, so it was perfect for a stroll.   

Up ahead is something you can’t miss - the giant crane. Or “The Crane” as they helpfully call it. The building is a symbol of Gdansk and it is now one of the branches of the National Maritime Museum. It has a unique shape. It was built in the 15th century and is the largest and oldest building of its kind in Europe. It used to function as the city gate and port crane.  

With our touristing done we stopped off by the river for some lunch and beer or two as the sun warmed our skin. Apricity. 

It was a lovely scene. Friday afternoon in a beautiful city in the sunshine by the water with a cool beer.  

 

We’ll remember you fondly Gdansk. With inspiration.