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Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia – The Tricity
The Tri-City is an urban complex extending along the Bay of Gdansk and is one of Poland's
largest tourist attractions. Each of the cities making up the Tri-city offers a very different
atmosphere.
Romeo and Juliet (Romeo i Julia)
..." Have you ever seen Długi Targ with nightfall as its backdrop? This unique street in Gdansk
can be seen at its best at night. When streetlights are lit, the cafés and restaurants are bustling
and the historic buildings create a fairy-tale atmosphere. One weekend is all you need to fall in
love with Gdansk. Once a significant member of the rich Hanseatic League Trail, this is where
Solidarity was born - the movement which finally knocked communism out of Europe. We felt a
sense of freedom at every turn! "
Gdańsk is one of Poland’s oldest cities with a history going back a thousand years. It has an
important place in Polish consciousness as the location of the start of World War II and where
the fall of Communism in Central Europe began. This is where the famous Solidarity movement
started, protecting worker’s rights and, later, the symbol of resistance against the People’s
Republic.
Together with neighbouring Gdynia and Sopot, Gdańsk forms a large metropolitan area called
Trójmiasto (Tricity). This is a place not to be missed when visiting Poland. It is rich in cultural
and architectural relics.
In the National Museum you can see a collection of paintings and other crafts. The most famous
artwork on show is The Last Judgment by Hans Memling. The life of Gdańsk’s citizens is
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displayed at exhibitions in the Gdańsk History Museum, the Artus Court and the Uphagen
House, where you can admire the wealth and splendour of the apartments of Gdańsk’s
patricians. If you are interested in the history of maritime culture, come to the Central Maritime
Museum. The Wrzeszcz District has an atmosphere from the late 19th and early 20th century,
including eclectic houses and Vienna Secession-style villas. Sights worth seeing include a 19th
century brewery and a settlement of workers’ cottages. Gdańsk is the setting for some of the
literary works of Nobel laureate Günter Grass, who was born and lived here as a child. Oliwa,
site of the International Organ Festival, is famous for its cathedral, which has an original
Rococo organ.
And remember to buy some amber, a classic Gdańsk souvenir.
A walk through Gdańsk’s Old Town and Downtown
This route is perfect for those visiting Gdańsk for the first time. It includes two historical
districts filled with fascinating sights.
Key locations on this route:
The Grand Mill (Wielki Młyn)
Old Town City Hall (Ratusz Staromiejski)
St. Nicholas’ Church (Kościół św. Mikołaja)
King’s Chapel (Kaplica Królewska)
Gdańsk Crane (Żuraw Gdański)
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the Old Port on the Motława River (Stary Port na Motławie)
Długi Targ Street
Gdańsk Downtown City Hall (Ratusz Głównego Miasta w Gdańsku)
Artus Court (Dwór Artusa)
the Hall of Gdańsk (Sień Gdańska)
St. Mary’s Street (Ulica Mariacka)
St. Mary’s Church (Kościół Mariacki)
This route will take you to the city’s most important historical sights and the places that define
its current character.
Oliwa, one Gdańsk’s most beautiful districts
There is a complex of Cistercian abbey buildings, situated in a beautiful park where you can
admire the wide avenues of lime trees and numerous ponds. It is composed of many parts,
including a botanical garden with conservatory and the Palm House. There is also Whispering
Caves to be found there. Shells that are located opposite to each other allow to communicate
even if the you are turn back to the other person. If nothing crosses the line between the shells,
the voice bounced off the walls is heard in the opposite shell. The park also contains many old
mansions and 24 mills.
Oliwa Cathedral
The Cathedral was built in the Romanesque and Gothic styles. It is said to be the longest church
in the world. It is best known for its organ, which includes moving angels, stars, and the sun.
The interior of the Cathedral includes 23 altars in three architectural styles – Renaissance,
Baroque and Rococo. Don’t forget to visit amazing Organ Music Festivals that takes place here
in the summer.
Westerplatte
Westerplatte is a peninsula in the Bay of Gdańsk mentioned in every book on the history of
World War II. This is where one of the first German attacks took place, on September 1, 1939, at
4.45 AM. To commemorate the heroes of Westerplatte, the Monument to the Coast Defenders
was erected here in the 1960s.
Tricity
Gdańsk is part of the Tricity, along with Gdynia and Sopot. Each one of these towns has its own
unique character, and each is worth seeing.
Gdynia – Bulwar Nadmorski (Sea Boulevard)
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The most popular walking destination in the town, leading from the city’s beach to the beach in
Redłowo.
Sopot – Monciak and the Pier
The Monciak walkway is 2,080 ft long and takes you to the sea. It is officially called the
Bohaterów Monte Cassino walkway (Heroes of Monte Cassino).
Sopot’s Pier is the longest wooden pier in Europe. On shore are an antique fountain and a
lighthouse. The pier is well known for the health-giving effects of high concentrations of iodine
in the air. The historical Grand Hotel (5 stars) is nearby. It was built in the 1920s and is
characterized by its Art Nouveau architectural style.
Don't miss (TOP 10)
Monument to Fallen Shipyard Workers
December 1970 in Gdańsk, Gdynia, Szczecin and Elbląg was a time of labour strikes. A sudden
increase in prices was the direct cause. The coastal areas were brutally pacified by the
government. Ten years later, to commemorate the victims, a monument was erected – three
crosses with anchors attached. Every cross weighs 36 tons and is 138 ft tall. Official delegations
visiting Gdańsk usually place flowers at the foot of this monument. Don’t forget to do so as well.
St.Mary's Basilica
The Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is said to be the largest brick church
in the world. Its construction took place in two stages, beginning in 1343 and ending in 1502.
The church contains many important works of medieval and baroque art. These includes a stone
Pietà (from approximately 1410), a copy of Hans Memling’s The Last Judgement and an
astronomical clock from the second half of the 15th century constructed by Hans Düringer over
a period of 7 years. The church is 344 ft long, including the tower battlements, and the vaults
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soar 95 ft above floor level. The solid main tower is 255 ft high and crowned with a viewing
gallery, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Make sure to climb it, even if
you’re afraid of heights.
The Crane
The crane, built in the first half of the 15th century between the pylons of Brama Szeroka (the
Wide Gate), became the city’s symbol. In the Middle Ages it was the largest port crane in
Europe, used for moving goods and raising ship masts. It was able to lift 4 tons to an altitude of
36 feet, and was powered by workers walking inside two tread wheels. The crane is currently
part of the National Maritime Museum.
St. Mary's Street
Without a doubt, this is one of Gdańsk’s most enchanting streets. It leads from St. Mary’s
church to the Long Embankment with the Medieval St. Mary’s Gate. It is closed to road traffic,
and full of life throughout the year thanks to its historical and architectural attractions. The
setting has inspired numerous writers and painters down the ages, and been used as the setting
for many movies. Ancient granite cobblestones and richly ornamented houses, once owned by
prosperous goldsmiths and merchants, contribute to the area’s unique character. Have a
camera handy when visiting this area.
The Grand Mill
The Grand Mill was erected by the Teutonic Order in 1350. It was powered by the Radunia
Channel with its 18 waterwheels, each 16 feet in diameter, and is an exceptional construction
for the time. The mill's functions included a storehouse and bakery. After modernisation in the
first half of the 19th century, the mill was in use until the end of World War II.
Długa Street and Długi Targ Street
Długa and Długi Targ (its extension) Streets are also known as the Trakt Królewski (the Royal
Route) and rank among the most beautiful streets in Gdańsk. This area was once inhabited by
patricians, which is why the houses are richly ornamented with crests, allegoric figures and
images of ancient heroes. The city’s most important secular buildings – the Hall of the Main City
and the Artus Court – are on Długi Targ Street. When walking down this street, you’re looking
at Gdańsk’s most ancient history.
The Neptune Fountain
The Neptune Fountain Thas stood in front of the Artus Court since 1633 and is seen as a symbol
of Gdańsk. It was built on the initiative of Mayor Bartłomiej Schachmann, and the town council.
The sculpture on which the fountain is based represents Neptune. It was designed by Abraham
van den Blocke and cast in bronze in 1615 by Peter Husen and Johann Rogge in Augsburg. In
the second half of the 18th century the fountain base was renovated in the rococo style and a
large array of sea creatures were added. Throw a coin into the fountain and tempt fate to lead
you back to Gdańsk.
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The Uphagen House
The Uphagen House was erected in the second half of the 18th century by Jan Uphagen, who
obliged future owners to preserve the house in its original form. Thanks to this agreement, the
building’s original character has been preserved and now houses the Museum of Patrician
Interiors. The Uphagen House is a memory of Gdańsk’s former glory. It features a hall, lofty
interiors, a stone slab floor built and walls and ceilings decorated with stuccowork.
Westerplatte
Westerplatte is a peninsula at the mouth of the so-called Dead Vistula river. Although there is
not a lot to see here, the history of this place makes a visit worthwhile. It was here, on
September 1, 1939, that the first shots of World War II were fired by the German Battleship
Schleswig-Holstein. A Polish garrison of just 205 ill-equipped soldiers held out against two
warships, aircraft, heavy guns and over 3,000 German troops for a week, losing only 14 men
and killing 300 of the enemy.
In 1966 a Monument to the Coast Defenders was erected there and stands to this day. It’s 82 ft
high (plus a 66 ft high base). The shape of the monument resembles a serrated bayonet plunged
into the ground.
To get to Westerplatte you can catch a boat from the bottom of the main street in Gdańsk Old
Town. This boat will take you through the old shipyard. On Westerplatte you can also paddle in
the Baltic Sea. You can also get there by car.
St.Catherine's Church
St. Catherine's is the oldest parish church of the Old Town, erected between 1227 and 1239. It
was founded by the princes of Gdańsk Pomerania. Expanded in the 14th century, it was a
Protestant place of worship between 1555 and 1945. The tower of this church is 249 ft tall and
crowned with a baroque helmet designed by Jacob van den Block. The current carillon,
composed of 49 bells and weighing 15 tons, was created from 1989–1998. Be sure to have a look
at the paintings by Anton Möller and Izaak van den Blocke, as well as the baroque epitaphs and
Johannes Hevelius' tombstone.
Accommodation in Gdansk
Accommodation in Sopot
Accommodation in Gdynia
The official website of Gdansk
The official website of Gdynia
Tourist information portal of Gdynia
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The official website of Sopot
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