Gdansk Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Gdansk

The most probable source for the name, "Gdansk" seems to be "Gdania", the ancient name of the river Motlawa. Gdansk began with agriculture and fishing and trade with Pomerania in the 9th century. It was annexed by Mieszko, Duke of Poland, in 975.

The center of town was the Long Market, with its craftsmen. German merchant settlements grew by St Nicholas Church. Gdansk joined the Hanseatic League in 1361. King Casimir IV of Poland incorporated the town into the Kingdom of Poland in 1454. It became a part of Prussia in 1815. It remained in the german empire until 1919.

The city suffered devastating damages in World War II. It was rebuilt in the 50s and 60s. Architects avoided rebuilding with the original German styles. They opted for the Dutch and French Mannerist styles of the Hanseatic era. Today, the rebuilt city looks far different than its appearance in 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland.

The Long Market of the Royal Way is the main road of Old Gdansk. It is less than 1/3 mile long. To walk it takes 15 minutes. The Golden Gate is at the West end. About midway is the Highland Gate. The arches of the Green Gate stand at the river Motlawa.

Cafes and shops line the Long Market. The god Neptune wields his trident above his Fountain. The fountain sits before the Artus Court, a medieval merchant center, now a museum. The iconic Town Hall with its tower is home to the Gdansk History Museum. Medieval St Mary's Church may be the largest brick church in the world.

Pass through the Green Gate to the Long Embankment and stroll along the river. Visit the huge crane tower and Grain Museum. Pass by pastel-colored Mannerist tenements, cafes and shops. Ride the Motlawa River in a historic boat. Visit Mariacka Street. Here is some of Gdansk's old architecture with terraces and gargoyles.

St Catherine's tower, the Solidarity Center, visit, eat, study, worship, and try not to miss the three week St Dominic Festival in August. Do all these things and have a blast in Gdansk.