Ulica Szeroka (Wide Street), Gdansk

Running east–west through the historic center of Gdansk, Wide street is one of the main streets of the old town. Stretching for roughly roughly half kilometer, as its name suggests, the street is wider than many medieval lanes nearby. During the Middle Ages, the street developed as a lively commercial and residential area, lined with burgher houses owned by merchants, craftsmen, and traders. Its broader layout made it suitable for markets and the movement of goods arriving from the port.

Like much of Gdansk, the street suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was later reconstructed. It was paved in the 1950s using historical records, restoring the appearance of traditional townhouses with narrow façades, decorative details, and stepped rooflines.

Walking from east to west, the first stretch of the street leads inland through a line of restored townhouses. A short distance in, the street opens slightly into Szeroka Street Square, which you will recognize immediately because the tight street line breaks into a small open, park-like space with trees and seating. Here, in the centre of this widened area, stand the fountain by Alfons Łosowski and the bronze monument to Świętopełk II the Great.

Along the edge of this square, you will find the Günter Grass Gallery, located at number 34/35. It is dedicated to the Nobel Prize–winning writer Günter Grass. Today, Ulica Szeroka offers a blend of everyday life and historical atmosphere. Shops, cafés, and restaurants line the street. Slightly less crowded than the main Royal Route, Wide Street provides a relaxed way to experience the architecture, history, and local character of Gdansk.