"The Treasures of Gdansk" a Gdansk Travel Page by Pawtuxet

Gdansk is a beautiful city dating back to the 7th century when it was a group of small fishing hamlets. Positioned at the head of the Vistula River, Gdansk has had a history as an important trade center. Wars have devastated it, but the determined Poles have rebuilt and reclaimed it after years of partitions, occupation, devastation and decline.
The Neptune statue and fountain, in bronze, created in 1549 is the symbol of Gdansk and stands proudly in Long Market (Dlugi Targ). The Poles hid the statue during their years of occupation and returned it to its rightful position when they reclaimed their freedom and independance. You will no doubt visit this street in old town, as it is one of the oldest streets in the city and lined with colorful burgher houses displaying rocococo portals, gothic mouldings and gorgeous original porticoes. There is always activity here. You will find plenty to amuse you from artisans to musicians to cafes and more. I tried to absorb every detail and enjoy every activity happening in the busy streets, but I think I would have to return for several more days to investigate this collection of art and architecture as fully as it deserves.

How can I begin to describe the Solidarity monument and museum or the importance it has in our world today? Several blocks from the old town of Gdansk, the old Lenin Shipyard stands as a reminder of the drama which unfolded here. Personally I was disappointed that there weren't more visitors around the Solidarity museum when I was there. Understanding what happened here is vital to understanding the culture of the Polish people.
The simple blue collar workers of this shipyard managed somehow to change the face of Eastern Europe through their determination to improve their living and working conditions. The strikes of these workers stand as a model to workers everywhere... and a message to all who would exploit their workers without regard to fair and equitable compensation.
Visit this museum for sure when you are in Gdansk. Think about how well you would have held up if you found yourself in similar circumstances... and celebrate the freedom found on this ground which led to the end of the Soviet Union and the Cold War that threatened the world for so many years.

Diugie Pobrzeze is the waterfront wharf area which you will no doubt zero in on immediately when you get to Gdansk. The Long Wharf is where you will find the historic crane built in 1444 to handle heavy goods and install masts on ships. It was the largest piece of port handling equipment in the world at one time.
Many restaurants and shops now line the waterfront and you won't want to miss having lunch in one of the open air cafes here. There are numerous activities such as boat rides and the Central Maritime Museum which you might explore. I wish I had more time for the waterfront activities. The first visit is an overview and sweep through....but you would need several days here in order to thoroughly examine the many facets of old town Gdansk.