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King of the Sea in Gdansk

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King of the Sea in Gdansk

A trip to the Baltic Sea wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t stop in Gdansk, which contains over a thousand years of history! First mention of the city was in 997 and even from the very beginning, its story has been connected to the sea and trade. By the 1300s, Gdansk was on its way to becoming an economic powerhouse as a member of the Hanseatic League, trading throughout Europe. Even today, it maintains its relation to the sea with its large shipyards. Despite its success, the city has also been the scene of some of the greatest power struggles played out on the world stage. Through the centuries, with its position between Germany and Poland, it changed hands from Poland to Prussia and was briefly a free city under the rule of Napoleon from 1807 – 1814, eventually reverting to Poland after WWI. In its darkest hour, Gdansk witnessed the attack that started WWII in Poland, but in contrast, its shipyards were also home to the Solidarity movement, which eventually led to a free Polish state, independent of communist Russia. Looking around the city today, with its carefully restored old town, is like stepping back in time. The iconic granary stands along the Motlawa river, and elaborate gates still flank the historic town. It is well worth the walk through the city center, where the houses are a reminder of Gdansk’s Hanseatic past. In the center of it all is Neptune’s Fountain, where the sea god has presided since the mid-1600s. Whether in early morning or dusk, the streets of Gdansk are sure to impress with their old-world charm!