Gdansk history

The history of Gdansk spans over a thousand years, with its origins reaching deep into the centuries, long before the first written records. Although archaeological findings indicate the existence of settlements on this site as early as the 5th century, the official starting point is considered to be the year 997. It was then that the name "urbs Gyddanyzc" appeared in the biography of St. Adalbert (Wojciech) — marking the first historical documentation of the city that would subsequently become one of the most important ports on the Baltic Sea.

Key Factors of Formation

The rapid development of Gdansk was driven by several fundamental reasons:

• Geographical Location: Situated at the confluence of the Motława River into the Vistula and on the coast of the Baltic Sea, Gdansk was a natural port and a strategic point from the very beginning. This ensured its control over vital waterways.
• Trade and the Hanseatic League: Already in the early Middle Ages, the city became a major centre of trade, particularly for grain, timber, and amber. Joining the Hanseatic League in 1361 transformed it into one of the wealthiest and most influential ports in Europe, contributing to rapid economic growth.
• Political Influence: The city's early history was marked by shifts in power: from the rule of Pomeranian dukes and allegiance to the Kingdom of Poland to its seizure by the Teutonic Order in 1308. This struggle for control only highlighted the strategic importance of Gdansk.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the first centuries of its existence, Gdansk was a city with a multinational character, where the indigenous Slavic population coexisted with merchants and craftsmen arriving from German lands and other parts of Europe. This cultural diversity was reflected in the architecture, traditions, and the enterprising spirit of the citizens. Having received extensive privileges and significant autonomy, especially after returning under the rule of the Polish crown in 1466, the city flourished. It gained the right to mint its own currency and pursue a nearly independent policy, which strengthened its status as an economic giant of the Baltic Sea.

Chronology of Gdansk's History

Gdansk, a city with over a thousand years of history, has been a witness and participant in many key events that shaped the face of modern Europe. Its strategic position on the Baltic Sea made it a centre of trade, politics, and cultural exchange.

• 997 — First written mention of the settlement "urbs Gyddanyzc" in the biography of St. Adalbert.
• 1308 — The city is seized by the knights of the Teutonic Order and renamed Danzig.
• 1361 — Danzig becomes one of the most important members of the Hanseatic League, marking the beginning of its economic prosperity.
• 1466 — After the Thirteen Years' War, the city returns under the rule of the Polish crown, receiving extensive privileges and autonomy.
• 16th-17th Centuries — The "Golden Age" of Gdansk: the city becomes one of the wealthiest in Europe thanks to the trade in grain and amber.
• 1793 — As a result of the Second Partition of Poland, the city is annexed by Prussia.
• 1919 — Under the Treaty of Versailles, Danzig receives the status of a "Free City" under the protection of the League of Nations.
• September 1, 1939 — The attack on the Polish garrison at Westerplatte in Danzig marks the beginning of World War II.
• 1945 — The city, heavily destroyed during the war, is transferred to Poland following the Potsdam Conference, and its name returns to Gdansk.
• December 1970 — Mass strikes by workers, brutally suppressed by the authorities, become an important milestone in anti-communist resistance.
• August 1980 — Strikes begin at the Gdansk Shipyard, leading to the creation of the independent trade union "Solidarity".
• 1983 — "Solidarity" leader Lech Wałęsa receives the Nobel Peace Prize for his activities in the struggle for human rights.

Stages of Gdansk's Development: From the Hanseatic League to Modernity

The history of Gdansk is a succession of vivid eras, each leaving an indelible mark on its economic, cultural, and architectural appearance. The city has changed its status and vector of development many times, but has always remained one of the key centres on the Baltic.

• Entry into the Hanseatic League (1361). This step turned Gdansk into one of the most influential and wealthy ports in Europe. Membership in the Hanseatic League gave a powerful impetus to the development of trade, shipbuilding, and crafts, laying the foundation for the city's economic prosperity for centuries to come.
• The "Golden Age" (16th–17th Centuries). Having received significant privileges within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Gdansk experienced a period of flourishing. The city became the largest centre for the export of grain and timber, and its treasury was one of the richest in Europe. During this time, many iconic architectural masterpieces were built, shaping the appearance of the Royal Route, including the Golden Gate and Neptune's Fountain.
• Industrial Revolution of the 19th Century. After its inclusion into Prussia, the city, renamed Danzig, began to actively industrialise. Modern shipyards were built, a railway was laid, and new water supply and sewage systems were introduced. This changed not only the economy but also the urban infrastructure.
• Status of "Free City" (1919–1939). After World War I, Gdansk (Danzig) received the unique status of a city-state under the protection of the League of Nations. This period was marked by a complex intertwining of political interests and cultural influences, highlighting the strategic importance of the port.
• Post-War Reconstruction (after 1945). The city, destroyed during World War II by nearly 90%, was transferred to Poland. A massive and painstaking reconstruction of the historical centre began. Architects and restorers recreated the look of ancient streets, which became one of the greatest urban planning projects in post-war Europe.
• Birth of the "Solidarity" Movement (1980). Strikes at the Gdansk Shipyard, led by Lech Wałęsa, resulted in the creation of the first independent trade union in the Eastern Bloc, "Solidarity". This event made Gdansk a symbol of the struggle for freedom and civil rights, ultimately leading to a change in the political system in Poland.
• Modern Stage (from the 1990s). Today, Gdansk is a dynamically developing centre of high technology, tourism, and logistics. The modernisation of the port, the construction of new business and cultural facilities, such as the European Solidarity Centre, and the careful preservation of historical heritage define its modern appearance.

The architectural appearance of Gdansk is a unique narrative of its rich and complex history. The city, like a mosaic, is composed of buildings from different eras, each preserving the memory of times of prosperity, decline, and rebirth. Despite the massive destruction of World War II, the historical centre was carefully restored, retaining its unique character.

Gothic (13th–15th Centuries)

The period of the Hanseatic League's dominance left majestic examples of Brick Gothic in Gdansk. This style is characterised by monumentality, strict lines, and high vaults. It reflected the power and wealth of the trading city.

• St. Mary's Basilica (Bazylika Mariacka): One of the largest brick churches in the world, its construction took nearly 160 years. It is the dominant feature of the Old Town and the brightest example of Hanseatic Gothic.
• Main Town Hall: Originally a Gothic building, which over time was supplemented with Renaissance elements. Its tower still towers over the city.
• The Crane (Żuraw): A unique 15th-century structure that served simultaneously as a city gate and the largest port crane in medieval Europe, symbolising the city's commercial significance.

Renaissance and Mannerism (16th–17th Centuries)

Gdansk's "Golden Age" brought with it the influence of the Dutch Renaissance and Mannerism. Building facades became more ornate, decorated with sculptures, reliefs, and decorative elements. This style emphasised the wealth and ambitions of Gdansk's merchants and patricians.

• Golden and Green Gates: These ceremonial gates of the Royal Route are striking examples of Renaissance architecture.
• Neptune's Fountain: Created in the early 17th century, this fountain became a symbol of Gdansk's connection with the sea and is a gem of Mannerism.
• Artus Court: The facade of this building, rebuilt in the style of Dutch Mannerism, demonstrates the luxury and influence of the merchant brotherhoods.

Baroque (17th–18th Centuries)

The Baroque era added splendour and dynamics to Gdansk's architecture. This style is characterised by complex forms, an abundance of decor, and contrasts. In Gdansk, Baroque blended harmoniously into the existing urban landscape.

• Royal Chapel: A vivid example of the Baroque style, built on the initiative of the Polish King John III Sobieski.
• Uphagen's House: The interiors of this burgher house, open to visitors, have preserved elements of Rococo — the late stage of Baroque.

Post-War Reconstruction and Modernity

After the destruction of World War II, which resulted in the annihilation of up to 90% of the historical centre, an unprecedented reconstruction began. Restorers did not simply repair buildings but recreated the spirit of the "Golden Age," adapting the ancient layout to modern needs. Today, alongside carefully restored historical monuments, modern architectural objects are appearing in Gdansk, such as the Museum of the Second World War and the European Solidarity Centre, which write a new chapter in the city's urban history.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Gdansk

The history of Gdansk is closely intertwined with the fates of many outstanding scientists, artists, thinkers, and public figures whose names have entered world history. The city became a cradle for some and a creative haven for others, leaving a noticeable mark on their biographies.

• Johannes Hevelius (Jan Heweliusz, 1611–1687)
  Astronomer, telescope constructor, and city councillor
  One of the pioneers of modern astronomy, who created an advanced observatory for the 17th century on the roofs of his houses in Gdansk. He compiled some of the first detailed maps of the Moon, discovered several comets, and introduced 11 new constellations, strengthening the city's scientific fame.
• Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686–1736)
  Physicist and inventor
  A native of Gdansk who revolutionised thermometry. He was the first to use mercury in thermometers and developed the temperature scale that still bears his name and is used in several countries. His inventions laid the foundation for the development of precise meteorology and physics.
• Daniel Chodowiecki (1726–1801)
  Painter and engraver
  An influential artist of the Enlightenment era, born in Gdansk. Later he became the director of the Berlin Academy of Arts but always maintained a connection with his hometown, capturing it in his works. His engravings are a valuable source of information about life in the 18th century.
• Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860)
  Philosopher
  One of the most significant thinkers of the 19th century, born in Gdansk into a merchant family. Although he left the city in early childhood, his work "The World as Will and Representation" had a colossal influence on world philosophy, literature, and psychology.
• Günter Grass (1927–2015)
  Writer, Nobel Laureate
  A world-renowned writer born in the Free City of Danzig. His famous "Danzig Trilogy," including the novel "The Tin Drum," made his hometown one of the main characters of 20th-century world literature and earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1999.
• Lech Wałęsa (born 1943)
  Politician, leader of the "Solidarity" trade union
  Working as an electrician at the Gdansk Shipyard, he led the strike movement in August 1980, which resulted in the creation of the first independent trade union in the Eastern Bloc. His activities, honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize (1983), became a symbol of the struggle for freedom and led to the fall of the communist regime in Poland. Subsequently, he became the country's first democratically elected president.
• Andreas Schlüter (approx. 1664–1714)
  Sculptor and architect
  An outstanding master of the Baroque era who was born and began his career in Gdansk. He participated in creating the sculptural decoration of the Royal Chapel and the facade of Artus Court, and later became one of the leading architects in Berlin, where he worked on the Royal Palace.