Gdańsk lies on the southern coast of the Gdańsk Bay of the Baltic Sea. Together with the spa town Sopot and the city of Gdynia it forms a metropolitan area called the Tricity. Gdańsk is world famous as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement that, under the leadership of Lech Wałęsa, played a major role in bringing an end to communism.

Very interesting past of the city has resulted in an impressive richness of monuments and architecture. In its long history Gdańsk/Danzing was under the rule of different countries:

- 997-1308 Eastern Pomerania under the sovereignty of Poland
- 1308-1466 Teutonic Order
- 1466-1793 Poland
- 1793-1805 Kingdom of Prussia
- 1807-1814 Free City of Danzig
- 1815-1871 Kingdom of Prussia
- 1871-1918 German Reich (German Empire)
- 1918-1939 Free City of Danzig
- 1939-1945 German Reich (Nazi Germany)
- 1945 – today Poland

Museums and galleries
The most important and interesting museum is The Museum of The History of The City of Gdańsk which consists of Main Town Hall, The Artus Court, The Museum of Tower Clocks, The Uphagen’s House, Westerplatte Guardhouse no.1, The Museum of Sport and Tourism, The Post Office and The Telecommunication Museum. The most specific for Gdańsk is The Amber Museum.

Another famous and very special event is St Dominic Fair. Many tourists from Poland and other countries come to visit Gdańsk during the days of the Fair. The tradition of St Dominic Fair goes back to 13th century. The scale of the Gdańsk Fair is compared with Oktoberfest in Munich or Weinachtsmarkt in Hamburg.

Interesting places
Long Street and Long Market – together forming the Royal Route. The Route used to mark the residential area of Gdańsk and almost every building there has its own interesting history. The oldest buildings date back to the Middle Ages.

The Hall of the Main City – built between 1379 and 1492

The Artus Court – was given its present shape in 1477. In the past a meeting place for merchants and centre of social life. Today – chief tourist attraction.

The Crane over the Motława River – the biggest port crane of medieval Europe. The first written reference about the crane is from 1367. The present shape was given 1442-1444.

The Golden Gate – designed by Abraham van den Blocke, built between 1612-1614. The stone figures carved by Peter Ringering in 1648 represent allegories of citizen’s virtues: Caution, Justice, Piety and Concord.

The Green Gate – the gate was designed in 16th century to provide residence for monarchs during their visits to Gdańsk.

The Golden House – one of the most exquisite buildings in Gdańsk, designed by Abraham van den Blocke. Founded by Judith of the Bahrs and her husband Jan Speymann, a rich merchant and sponsor of the arts.

St Mary’s Street – one of the most beautiful parts of Gdańsk. The narrow houses with richly decorated facades. The place has been an inspiration for writers and painters for ages.

St Mary’s Church – the largest brick church in the world, built partially between 1343 and 1502. The church is 105 m long, and the main tower is 77,6 m high.

The Royal Chapel – built between 1678 – 1681, designed by a royal architect Tylman of Gameren. The Chapel was founded to serve as a temporary place of worship for the Catholics while St Mary’s church was held by Protestants.

The Grand Mill – built in 14th century represents a great technical achievement of its time.

Oliwa Cathedral – built in the 13th century as a Cistercian shrine. Rebuilt after a great fire in 1350. Oliwa Cathedral is 107 m long and it is the longest church in Poland. International Festival of Organ Music in Oliwa Cathedral is being held there on Rococo organ from 1763-1788, the largest in Europe when built.

The Nowy Port Lighthouse – indicated the entrance to the port of Gdańsk to ships from 1894 until 1984. The exhibition comprises of well preserved original optical instruments and lighthouse history exposition. Beautiful view from the top. The Lighthouse is a copy of the famous lighthouse from Cleveland, USA built in 1871.