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- Gdansk
Gdansk
Gdañsk is an important port, situated at the mouth of the
Vistula River on the Baltic Sea, and throughout its history has
been a major trading centre. It is the best known of the Tri-City
complex that it forms with the modern seaport of Gdynia and the
fashionable beach resort town of Sopot.
Its turbulent history includes the rule of the Teutonic Knights
in the 14th century, who then lost it to Prussia, and after the
first shots of World War II were fired at the nearby Polish
garrison Westerplatte, it came under occupation of Nazi Germany in
1939. Like many Polish towns, Gdañsk lay in ruins after the war,
but it was meticulously rebuilt over a 20-year period, returning it
to its former glory. The interesting architecture and beautiful
painted buildings are part of the town's historic charm.
The richest architecture is visible in the historic quarter of
the Main Town. Its main thoroughfare, known as the Royal Way, is
spectacular. Lined with magnificent buildings featuring beautifully
painted facades and entered through grand stone gateways at either
end, this was the route along which the Polish Kings paraded during
their visits. The most splendid façade in town belongs to the
Golden House, one of Gdañsk's most impressive buildings, along with
the Town Hall and Artus Court. In front of the Court, the gathering
place of the old merchants, stands the Renaissance-style Neptune's
Fountain. Along the waterfront with its fashionable restaurants and
cafes, the huge Gdañsk Crane dominates the promenade, the largest
crane in medieval Europe and today housing the Maritime Museum.
Parallel to the Royal Way is Gdañsk's most picturesque street,
Mariacka Lane, lined with quaint 17th Century
burgherhouses with decorative steps and iron railings. The
gigantic St Mary's Church towers over the city and offers splendid
panoramic views.
Information & Facts
Climate
Gdañsk has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold
winters that can be very severe. Rain is possible all year round.
Summer is the best time to visit, when temperatures range from 70ºF
to 90ºF (20ºC to 30ºC), but evenings can be cool enough to require
a sweater. Winters are wet, very cold and grey.
Getting Around
The city centre is small and compact and easy to navigate on
foot, but buses and trams operate a frequent service throughout the
day. Tickets should be bought at kiosks before boarding. Taxis are
reasonably inexpensive and booking by phone is cheaper than hailing
one on the street. The fast train system (SKM) is the most
efficient way to get between the three towns comprising the
Tri-City area.
Language
The national language is Polish. English is widely
understood in tourist areas.
Money
The official currency is Zloty (PLN), divided into 100 groszy.
Poland is essentially a 'cash country', and it is difficult to
negotiate credit cards and travellers cheques in the cities, and
well nigh impossible in rural areas. American Express, Diners Club,
Visa and MasterCard are, however, accepted in places frequented by
tourists. ATMs are also beginning to proliferate in Polish cities,
where the sign 'Bankomat' indicates them. Money (preferably US$ or
Euros) can be exchanged in the cities and larger towns at banks,
hotels or bureaux called 'kantors', which offer the best rates.
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and some are open
on Saturday till 1pm.