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THE CITY OF GDANSK /
1. PAST AND PRESENT

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Gdansk (Poland)

THE CITY OF GDANSK

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Ulica Długa
Długa Street
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Jachty przy nabrzeżu
Yachts at the quay
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Fontanna Neptuna
The Fountain of Neptune

The name Gdańsk ("Gyddanyzc") was first recorded in 999 in St. Adalbert's biography. In the pre-Slavonic language the name meant ‘wet and forested land'. Located at the mouth of the Vistula (Wisła) river, surrounded by the sea on one side and hills on the other, Gdańsk has a unique geographic location. Its location at the cross-roads of trade and navigation routes, connecting Eastern and Western, Northern and Southern Europe, has always had a major influence on the city's development and its growing importance in history.


Down through the centuries, the city developed into a wealthy European trade centre. During the "golden age" of Gdańsk (XV - XVII century), the city was a member of the powerful Hanseatic League and had the special status of a municipal republic.

 

Over the thousand years of its history, Gdańsk has had its ups and downs, facing both tragic and glorious moments. The history of Gdańsk includes such events as the outbreak of the Second World War which started with Nazi Germany's attack on Poland's military post at Westerplatte in Gdańsk. During the war the city was completely destroyed, but has since been rebuilt to its former glory.

 

The city and its habitants have had a significant impact on modern European history. In 1980, the shipyard workers' strike led to the first independent trade union in Eastern Europe: "Solidarność" (Solidarity) led by Mr Lech Wałęsa. This significant moment is considered to have been the starting point of the collapse of the communist system in Poland and in other countries in Europe.

 

Over 17 years of freedom and a new political reality have made it possible for the dynamic development of the city in all areas. Today, Gdańsk is a modern city, and a large centre of industry, business, trade, science and culture.

 

 

Neptune - the ancient God of the Seas is situated in the Old Town and symbolises Gdańsk's bonds with the sea.