Welcome to Gdansk
Gdansk is a port city with an exciting history and many places of interest for everybody who is keen on maritime heritage. 1000-years-old, it is still young and resilient thanks to strong connections with the Baltic Sea.
As a member of the Hanseatic League, Gdansk built trade relationships with the whole of Europe. In the 15th century the city was given a special royal privilege guaranteeing monopoly rights over the purchase and sale of all goods brought there. This created the basis for the city’s wealth. Gdansk became the richest city of the Polish Kingdom and the main port on the Baltic.
Having its own policy and used to fight for its rights, Gdansk stayed open for people of every nationality and religion. Its history includes being twice a Free City and remaining under German rule for over 100 years. Almost completely ruined due to WW2, Gdansk was thoroughly reconstructed. The independent spirit of the city once again played a vital role in August 1980: the strikes of the Gdansk Shipyard workers gave a birth to Solidarity, a freedom-oriented social movement.
Pictures of Gdansk
Above: Panorama of the Gdansk town from Bishop’s Hill. Photo by Bernadeta Galus