A Tour of Gdańsk's Architectural Landmarks

Berlin Wall and Solidarność Wall remnants

On Rajska Street in Gdańsk, there is a fragment of both the Berlin Wall and the wall at the Gdańsk Shipyard, both of which played a huge part in the fall of communism. Aside from the wall remnants, there is a ‘walk of freedom’ path which leads to Gdańsk shipyard.

Rajska Street 24, Gdańsk, Poland

Berlin Wall and Shipyard Wall remnants | © Northern Irishman in Poland

Monument for the Fallen Shipyard Workers

This huge monument by the shipyard is dedicated to the shipyard workers who died in 1970, long before the Solidarnosc movement. It is one of three architectural landmarks on the tour that are related to the shipyard, which sits in behind the monument.

Plac Solidarności, Gdańsk, Poland

Solidarność Monument | © Northern Irishman in Poland

Falowiec

Falowi… what? Falowiec! Believe it or not, this is the longest residential building in Europe and it is here in Gdańsk, for this reason it is worth a visit. It is located in the city’s Nowy Port area so will require a tram or bus ride from the Old Town, but it’s a fantastic piece of architecture which houses nearly 6,000 people.

Piastowska 98A, Gdańsk, Poland

#nowyport #falowiecgdansk #wyzwolenia

A post shared by Aleksandra Nina (@alexis.ninexis) on Jun 15, 2017 at 5:10am PDT

The Bunker at Westerplatte

OK, so officially the Bunker is a destroyed piece of architecture, but for pure historic relevance it would seem odd to skip it from such as list. This bunker was used as a shelter during World War II and although mostly destroyed, the building’s shell remains.

Westerplatte, Gdańsk, Poland

Westerplatte | © Northern Irishman in Poland

Neptune’s Fountain

Right in the centre of Gdańsk’s Długi Targ (Long Market) sits this instantly recognisable fountain with a statue of Neptune above it. A bronze sculpture dating back to the seventeenth century, Neptune’s Fountain is an absolute icon of Gdańsk and it would seem a little ridiculous to miss it on your jaunt through the centre of the city.

Długi Targ, Gdańsk, Poland

Neptune’s Fountain, Gdansk | © Lukas Plewnia / Flickr

Old Town Hall (Ratusz Starego Miasta)

Gdańsk actually has two Old Town Halls – and both have played a significant part in the city’s history. While the most visited one is the Ratusz with its famous clocktower, this building is older and in surprisingly good condition.

33/35, Korzenna 33/35, Gdańsk, Poland

Gdańsk Old Town Hall | © Yanek / WikiCommons

Daniel Fahrenheit’s House

Daniel Fahrenheit who invented both the mercury-in-glass thermometer and the Fahrenheit scale, was born in this very city back in 1686. Not only can you visit his house, but also an original Fahrenheit thermometer sits in the Długi Targ in Gdańsk.

Ulica Ogarna 95, Gdańsk, Poland

Fahrenheit’s House | © Darpaw / WikiCommons

Gdańsk Town Hall (Ratusz)

The list features both of Gdańsk’s town halls and this one, known as the Ratusz, is the most photographed and the most famous. There is a museum inside and you can climb to the top for sublime views over the city.

Ulica Długa 46, Gdańsk, Poland

Ratusz | © Marcin Białek / WikiCommons