A very interesting stop.

One of the Baltic Sea’s seaports since the Middle Ages, Gdansk was originally fortified by the Teutonic Knights. Fast forward to the aftermath of WWI when it became the center of German shipbuilding following Hitler’s rise to power. In fact, the city’s residents were the first to witness the beginning of WWII as the Nazi’s invaded and occupied Gdansk on September 1, 1939 to protect their interests. Caught between the German and Russian powers, the “Long Street” and all its buildings were turned to rubble. While these buildings have all been meticulously reconstructed – the fact remains that all the buildings are new and most are only facades, looking a bit Disneylandish;-(

One enters the Old Town via the Green Gate, actually built as a residence for visiting kings and now houses Lech Walesa’s office.

Come on in.

The riverfront embankment of the Motlawa River that flows to the Baltic Sea.

Once inside the Green Gate, The Long Market opens up in front of you with the Main Town Hall tower beckoning. This is also the first glimpse of the reconstructed facades;-(. But look beyond those and one sees lots of shops and restaurants!

The centerpiece of the square just ahead is the statue of Neptune, God of the Sea. A fitting symbol for a city that dominates the maritime life of Poland.

Towering over Neptune is that imposing Town Hall Tower. Not only does it have that wonderful clock telling all when it is time to return to ones ship, it also has this fantastic sun dial – with the proper time!!

Stunning!

As one wanders the streets of Old Town, St. Mary’s appears. It is one of the largest brick churches in the world – built from 1343 to 1502 as a Catholic Church, became Lutheran and back to Catholic after WWII.

A beautiful High Altar with a ‘replaced’ stained-glass window from 1980.

While we went back out into the real world, the ‘important people’ of the day did not want to see mundane items like down drains. So – they were decorated to please – –

Name your animal – they were all up here;-)

Unfortunately, as we left Gdansk there was only time for a quick drive by Solidarity Square to see the memorial and gate in front of the shipyard that perhaps began the fall of communism.

And so ended our very quick visit to Gdansk —

Good night Gdansk.

Back at sea and more adventures.

E & G looking forward to another tomorrow;-)