HISTORIC SITES – THE REMINDERS OF GDAŃSK'S SPLENDOUR

Tourists usually begin a stroll through historical Gdańsk on the Royal Way, the several-hundred-metre long main axis of the old city. The Royal Way starts from the Renaissance Wyżynna (Upland) Gate (1586-1588), once part of the city's western fortifications. Right behind it is the Torture House and the Prison Tower, built in the 14th century and subsequently converted. Nearby, on the left-hand side, is the Great Armory (1600-1609) – Gdańsk's former arsenal. This building is considered Gdańsk's best example of Dutch Mannerism. Nearby is Złota (Golden) Gate (1612-1614), another example of Mannerist architecture. This gate opens Długa Street, where the wealthiest Gdańsk residents used to live. Among the many houses with fascinating façades is the Uphagen House, 12 Długa St., which has been a museum since 1910. This house includes examples of the gloriously rich historic interiors of an upper-class Gdańsk home, with original fittings.

Near the far end of Długa Street stands the Main Town Hall, dating from the late 13th/early 14th century. Its size and form are proof of Gdańsk's former splendour. Many elements (stoves, painted ceilings, wood panelling and furniture) have been preserved in the interiors, which were once famous throughout Europe for their luxury and refinement. The Town Hall opens Gdańsk's most characteristic area – the wide Długi Targ (Long Market) Street, with beautiful, excellently reconstructed tenement houses.

These include the Artus Court from the second half of the 15th century, which was the meeting place of wealthy Gdańsk citizens. The magnificent late-Gothic façade conceals spacious interiors, which house a 12-m-tall Renaissance ceramictile stove, old ship models and many other beautiful items. The building's huge cellars house a wine cellar and a restaurant. In front of the Artus Court is the large 17th-century Rococo Neptune fountain, the symbol of the city and a meeting place for lovers.