"The Free City of Gdansk" Gdansk by Polska

Gdansk Travel Guide: 1,253 reviews and 3,279 photos

Explanation...

The truth is that even though I was born and now I am studying in Warsaw, most of my life I spent here in Gdansk... my dad, in the old good communist times had to move here to work in one of those Communies for Agriculture (in Polish PGR, in Hungarian TSZ ;)) and that's how I found myself here, on the coast of the Baltic Sea... and to tell you the truth, I don't pity at all, for it's a very, very special place....

first and for most I should tell you that Gdansk is very different from the rest of the Polish cities. As it used to be a German town (does the term "Hanza" mean anything to you?) it's been built in a German manner. You won't see there architecture like that from Cracow - you'll rather feel you'ere somewhere in Germany or the Netherlands...
There are also very beautiful Gothic churches in Gdansk, St.Mary's Church being the 8th biggest Gothic church in Europe, and the one from Oliwa - the longest (and to me also the most beautiful) one ;) in the church of Oliwa (a district of Gdansk, a very nice one, with a very special "slow" atmosphere; if you happen to find any book by Pawel Huelle or Stefan Chwin - I think they were translated into English - you'll be able to find out what I'm talking about)... where was I? yup, in the church of Oliwa there is a very nice organtoo, with moving decorative elements and a very nice sound (there are international organ music festivals and competitions organised there every summer).
Gdansk is also famous for the Solidarity (Solidarnosc) movement, which - as people claim - was the beginning of the fall of the communism in Poland. Lech Walesa, the former president, who was one of the greatest activists of Solidarity, still lives in Gdansk, but even if I tell you the address you won't be able to see his house, hehe, for the fence is really high ;)))
well, what more should I say to make you come here?... hehe, I know - you can stay at my place! see you whenever ;)

...just wanted to show you that church of Oliwa ;) isn't it beautiful?

Intro Updated Aug 30, 2006
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Travelogues (1)

Written Aug 30, 2006

4 photos

Gdansk in a Few Pictures

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Comments (11)

Pawtuxet Nov 28, 2006 at 4:31 AM Report Abuse

Very nice photos. I finally visited Gdansk last summer. Loved it. So beautfiul and enjoyed the absence of cars in the historic cobbled streets.
loisl May 2, 2006 at 5:56 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for adding me to your friendslist, hope to see you soon again. Cheers, Peter
AndreSTGT May 20, 2004 at 2:46 PM Report Abuse

Gdansk is the only major city in Poland i haven't visited, yet. A good reason to go back. Greetings to Warsaw!!!
cachaseiro May 15, 2004 at 5:23 PM Report Abuse

very nice place. i always had a desire to visit that town in poland.
lotharlerch Feb 24, 2004 at 2:20 AM Report Abuse

Nice and with personal touch - as all your contributions on VT! I was only once in Gdansk, 1992, the perfect reconstruction looks already original (hundreds of years old) due to the patina from the polluted air. I come again.
Tolik Dec 10, 2003 at 4:15 PM Report Abuse

It's a pity Agnieszka: I did not have a chance to see Lech Walesa when he lived in Canada...and now there is no oportunity to see him in Gdansk!
Nykaenen Dec 1, 2003 at 11:58 PM Report Abuse

For the benefit of VT community, I hope you get hold of a scanner very soon. Your tips are so general and yet so unique!!!
hu_women Nov 24, 2003 at 2:51 AM Report Abuse

Yes, church of Oliwa is really beautiful :)
Dany_Kulta Nov 20, 2003 at 2:52 PM Report Abuse

Nice fotos of a city I would love to visit :)
globetrott Oct 29, 2003 at 3:11 PM Report Abuse

great infos and lovely pics ! Danzig is a great place to visit !