The Golden Gate was built in 1612 on the site of the fourteenth-century Gothic gate. Its unique architecture is an example of  Dutch Mannerism and features typical sophistication for that period. The gate is adjacent to the northern late Gothic St George Brotherhood. Both facades of the gate are decorated with 8 statues symbolizing Gdansk citizens’ most important values and virtues. 

The Green Gate is the oldest Watergate of Gdansk and the earliest example of city’s characteristic architecture. Built in the XV century, it was originally designated to host polish kings. Today, it was turned into Gdansk Photo Gallery hosting numerous temporary exhibitions, cultural gatherings, conferences and performances.

You’ll see both gates while strolling along the Royal Road during your Gdansk Walking tour by night.

This most recognizable statue during each Gdansk Walking Tour is a symbol of the city, built around 400 years ago. The idea was to place it in the most popular and representative area. It may be seen from the Town Hall, Long Street and perfectly suits the Artus Court facade. Neptun is facing the royal tenement house, bowing head before king’s building. The god of the sea weights 650 kg. It’s architectural elements are inspired by Flemish mannerism. According to the legend, fountain was squirting not only with water but also with gold or vodka. As rich people were throwing gold coins to his fount for luck, he got angry and turned them all into dust with his harpoon. Other legend says, that once every hundred years all animals from the monument walls revive and make a reception  as it’s the only time when they can feed themselves. Neptun also gets down from his pedestal and serves as a leader of the party. In order not to cause scandal among the pious Protestants, his privy parts were covered with a fin of sea bass.

The monument had been stolen several times. Finally, the sculptor used a soft material in its construction, so that the statue will fall into pieces if anyone tries to disassemble it. This solution worked out and nobody tries to steal Gdansk’s god of the sea anymore.

This characteristic building adorned with statues of antique heroes, an example of Dutch mannerism, is one of the most representative tenement houses in Gdansk. It was built in 1350 and initially it served as a meeting point for merchants and a s a centre of social life. Its name comes from King Arthur and symbolize the place of meetings of  nobility (only aristocrats were allowed to enter). During the evenings, the place was hosting cultural events  with musicians, performers and, quite often, with illegal  gambling players.

Inside its richly ornamented chambers one can find famous paintings such as Siege of Marienburg, The Ship of the Church, Orpheus among animals and Last Judgment. There are also tapestries, ship models, armors, coats of arms or a cage with exotic birds. Nowadays, it’s a branch of the Gdansk History Museum.  It’s definitely must see during your Gdansk Walking Tour!

It is probably the most impressive building in Gdansk. With its peculiar set of ornaments and splendid facade, the Great Armory amazes every passer-by. It was created in the XVI century out of concern about city’s security that was threatened by Swedish army at that time. At the first sight, it looks like four separate tenements but in fact it’s one, grand building. Each side of the Great Armory looks differently, presenting various statues, portals, towers and decorations.

Today, the Great Armory’s ground floor is intended for shopping arcade, while upstairs one can visit the headquarter of Fine Arts University. We can compare the building to today’s museums of military art.