Gdańsk Old Town Walking Tour
Długi Targ (The Long Market) in December, Gdańsk Old Town. Photo by Aleksander.
A unique blend of Germannic and Central European medieval architecture, gilded by the wealth of maritime trade, Gdańsk’s historical centre is one of the largest and most-unique, not only in Poland, but in the whole of Europe. Many of the streets in Gdańsk Old Town have held the same position and name for more than 500 years. What were warehouses, workshops and the state-ofthe-art factory spaces in their time are now restaurants, cafés and shopfronts, servicing hundreds of thousands of tourists that visit the Tri-city area every year. Depending on how much time you yourself have chosen to spend here, chances are it’s at least a day (we hope)! For this reason, we’ve made up a walking route past what we believe are the most important sites and museums in Gdańsk’s centre. It’s about 1 hour of walking, plus the time you choose to spend at each point. We’ve also listed the approximate time it takes to see the museums listed on the map. In total, this self-guided walking tour may take you 4-5 hours. So put on your most comfy shoes, make sure you have a fullycharged camera/smart phone and plenty of water! 1 UPLAND GATE This 16th-century gate, the main entrance into the Old Town, was the original starting point for The Royal Way. It was here that the Polish king was welcomed and given the keys to the city. The gate was originally surrounded by a 50m moat and was named for its upland location above the water level. The metal pulleys used for raising and lowering the drawbridges are still visible beneath the coats of arms of Poland, Prussia and Gdańsk. The gate has undergone major renovation work in recent years and now houses a tourist information point.QB‑4, Wały Jagiellońskie 2A, Gdańsk.
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2 AMBER MUSEUM Housed in Gdańsk’s medieval Fore-gate building (once home to the Prison Tower and Torture Chamber), this multi-story exhibit delves extensively into the history of Baltic Amber. The impressive collection of ‘inclusions’ (when bugs or plants are caught inside the amber) is intriguing to look at, and the many amber creations, from inkwells to spoons to a stunning Fender Stratocaster guitar, shows the material’s diversity. A large open room at the top of the building houses an impressive array of modern amber jewellery that appears more artistic than wearable. Many find the separate exhibits on the building’s past as a torture chamber uncomfortable – and considering the piped-in soundtrack of pained cries, we understand why – but they are a must-see, if for no other reason to find out what a ‘heretic’s fork’ and ‘thumb screwing’ are. The lower part of the building also housed the city’s courthouse from where convicted criminals would be sentenced to hang on the square outside. Many of the exhibit rooms throughout the ancient building are small and cramped, and if you happen to visit on the same day as a school group it’s a nightmare, but it’s well worth a visit nonetheless. In the summer months take advantage of the viewing platform in the tower. Tuesdays are FREE admission. QB‑4, Targ Węglowy 26, Gdańsk, tel. (+48) 58 573 31 28, www.muzeumgdansk.pl. Open 10:00-16:00; Tue 10:00-13:00; Thu 10:00-18:00; Sun 11:00-16:00; closed Mon. Admission 12/6zł. Tue free. Ticket prices are expected to change in 2020. Y
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