Gdansk: Once Scarred, Now Stunning
A brief overview of Gdansk and its cultural significance.
The cultural landscape of Gdansk and its place in the specific context.
Gdańsk, the Polish well-hidden pearl of the Baltic Sea has an extraordinary heritage and culture along with a beautiful nature. We had a five-day trip to Gdansk 21st to the 26th of December 2023. On this trip, we learned a lot about World War II and the Poland revolution in 1989 as well as some history about communism. Gdansk was very open to sharing the history both happy and sad parts of it. So for those who are crazy about history and politics at the same time, it can be a very good destination.
Day 1: Unmasking the Shadows of History
On the first day, we commemorated Gdansk’s historic significance by visiting the World War Museum. This museum provided many interesting insights into Poland’s convoluted past due to its unique collection of exhibits and artifacts. The country sacrificed much, as we moved through the many passageways. We went to the national museum featuring a famous painting The Last Judgement by Hans Memling as shown on this website of Museum’s Website.
Link for tickets : https://muzeum1939.pl/en/buying-tickets.htm
Day 2: Rushing to the Malbrok Castle
On day two, we had a plan to visit Malbrok castle but as we woke up so late, we missed the train and decided to spend some money on Uber. It was almost a one-hour trip to Malbrok castle which was worth it. After the 5-day schedule explanation, you can see details about Malbrok Castle.
information https://zamek.malbork.pl/en/home/ tickets (audio guide is recommended) https://bilety.zamek.malbork.pl/
Day 3: A Glimpse into Solidarity : 6$ to 10$
On day three, we visited the Solidarity Museum, a site of historical significance that pays homage to the Polish trade union movement and the birthplace of the Solidarity movement. This immersive museum provided a deep understanding of the struggle for worker's rights and the contribution of the people to the fight for freedom in Poland. The exhibits were both educational and inspiring, leaving a lasting impact on our group. Then we visited St. Mary's Church, one of the largest brick churches in the world. The intricate architecture, stunning stained glass windows, and awe-inspiring views from the tower left us in wonder. We then strolled down the Main Old Town Street, lined with colorful facades, charming cafes, and small shops filled with local handicrafts.
tickets for Solidarity museum https://bilety.ecs.gda.pl/termin.html?idw=1
Day 4: Discovering Westerplatte: Free for tourists
As our trip continued, we dedicated the fourth day to exploring Westerplatte, a site that witnessed the first shots of World War II. Stepping onto this historic peninsula, surrounded by nature, we were instantly transported back in time. The remnants of bunkers and the memorial symbolized the resilience and strength of the people during those difficult years. If you walk far enough you will see the monument of Westerplate which was created by the communists at that time but is very impressive still showing the sacrifices of Polish people for their country in the war. We took an Uber to Westerplatte from the old town which took almost 45 minutes in rainy weather but it is possible to take the bus. We came back by bus; the bus stop near the souvenir shop in Westerplatte.
Day 5: Farewell Gdansk
On our final day in Gdansk, we took a leisurely walk along the Long Market, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and the lively colors of the buildings. I really liked the clean and colorful architecture in Gdansk. A combination of old and modern architecture, they kept the history of their city while modernizing it to be a place for residents to live in. Let's not forget to mention the famous crane which is the only surviving twin-tower gate in Gdansk. It also used to serve as a city gate added to the loading functions. The crane was working until the middle of the 19th century. After the war, it was rebuilt and donated to the National Maritime but the museum was closed at the time we were visiting.
Visiting the National Museum of Gdansk was also very interesting mostly for the famous triptych -The Last Judgment- which was very impressive, I remember we were sitting in front of the painting for almost 20 minutes just to figure out all the details and meaning in the painting.
All those perfect perspective views you see from Gdansk, I am here to reveal to you that it is from the top of this church. Inside the church was of course very calm and beautiful with all the amazing artifacts, as you go up to the rooftop, I remember that we had to pay around 15 zloty each to enter the staircase.
official website of basilica https://bazylikamariacka.gdansk.pl/
Daytrip, Exploring Malbork Castle: A Glimpse into Medieval Majesty
During our 5-day trip to Gdansk, we dedicated the second day to visiting the impressive Malbork Castle. Nestled on the banks of the Nogat River, this magnificent fortress is the epitome of medieval grandeur. Join me as I take you on a journey through this UNESCO World Heritage site and share the wonders we encountered within its ancient walls.
A Historical Snapshot: The Legend of Malbork Castle
Malbork Castle, also known as the Castle of the Teutonic Order, dates back to the 13th century and stands as one of the largest brick castles in the world. An architectural marvel, it served as the headquarters of the Teutonic Knights during their reign.
Exploring the Castle Grounds
Our audio-guided tour led us through the various sections of the castle, revealing the grand halls, impressive courtyards, and fortified walls. It was the best Audio guide I have ever experienced. We marveled at the intricate details of the Gothic architecture, the soaring archways, and the beautifully preserved interiors. The castle's expansive courtyards offered panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, providing a perfect vantage point to appreciate the strategic importance of this fortress in medieval times.
The Museum of the Castle
Within the castle complex, we discovered a treasure trove of artifacts and historical exhibits at the Museum of the Castle. The museum beautifully preserved the artifacts and artworks that depicted the rich history and cultural significance of the Teutonic Order. From weaponry and armor to religious relics and royal artifacts, each exhibit shed light on the castle's past and its role in shaping the region's history. Not to forget the interesting Persian/Indian part of the museum which has the most popular Poems from Shahname.
A Stroll through Time: Gardens and Surroundings
After exploring the castle itself, we ventured out into the castle's gardens and the surrounding areas. The well-maintained gardens offered a serene respite, and we enjoyed a stroll amidst the blooming flowers and ancient trees. The castle's strategic location, surrounded by a moat and lush greenery, added to the picturesque ambiance, transporting us back to the medieval era.
Conclusion: A Glimpse of the Past at Malbork Castle
Visiting Malbork Castle was an awe-inspiring experience that allowed us to step into the heart of medieval Europe. Exploring the castle's magnificent architecture, immersing ourselves in its rich history, and embracing the beauty of its surroundings, we gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for this UNESCO World Heritage site. If you find yourself in the vicinity of Gdansk, a visit to Malbork Castle is an absolute must. Prepare to be enchanted by the medieval majesty nestled on the banks of the Nogat River.
- Arrival details and settling in.
As we were walking through the main old town street there were many restaurants We got into the first one we saw, which was the Original burger.
I really wanted to try Asian food there in Gdansk. So we looked into the map and found this HAOS. We sat in the upstairs. Very cozy, hlepful and respectful people working there. I ordered beef with the brown sauce and it was very very delicious.
Looking for a place to have some drinks and maybe some food on the side we found Jungla. It was hard to get a table with no reservation, but we made it. They had a very creative menu and a variety of drinks. The food was very satisfying as well.
Again with no reservation, we jumped into another restaurant Billy's American restaurant and ordered burgers. Again it was a very tasty and satisfying experience.
mono kitchen which luckily had a free table was another place we tried. We ordered pizza and had one of the best and biggest pizzas in our lives. The service was very good, and the best part was the dessert, Crème Brûlée.
Hard Rock Cafe was the last place we had food in Gdansk. Very cheerful and respectful people working there at that time. It was very busy and a reservation is highly suggested. AND don't forget the brownies.
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