Gdańsk in a nutshell

Gdańsk from medieval Times to the „Solidarność” free trade union.

This tour is an extended version of trip nr.1

Stroll along monuments, the Neptun fountain, water gates – The Port Crane  of the Main and Old City in Gdańsk.

We will continue our walk to the shipyard area passing by the St. Briget church. St. Bridget Church – rebuilt after WWII. It was a place of worship for members of St. Bridget’s Order. During communist time it was a shelter and a place where help was given to the shipyard workers. It was referred to as a Church of working people or Church of Solidarność trade union. Today this church is  very famous for the modern amber altar.

Then we will come to the Solidarity Square (Plac Solidarności) in the neighbourhood of:

BHP Hall – a place where August Agreement in 1980  was signed between  communist government and representatives of Solidarność with Lech Wałęsa, which ended strikes in 1980. The consequence of the agreements was 10 mln Poles joining the Free trade Union “Solidarność” in 1980.

The European Center of Solidarity – the modern building where conferences, debates, and concerts take place. “Solidarność” trade union was born among shipyard workers. Part of the museum with permanent exhibition consists of 6 rooms dedicated to different parts of history symbolizing Polish  steps to freedom: “the birth of Solidarność”, “the power of powerless”, “Solidarność and hope”, a culture of peaceful change”, “a war with society”, “the road to democracy”, “the Triumph of Freedom”.

The Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers – the monument was unveiled on December 16th, 1980 – “they gave their lives, so that you can live in dignity”.

We will see

• The Royal Route (Długa Street, Long Market, The Neptun Fountain, The Main City Hall and the Artus’ Court),
• St. Marry Street and Holy Spirit Street.
• The Port Crane
• The Great Mill
•  The St. Bridget Church
• The Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers
• The permanent exhibition in the European Center of Solidarity (extra paid entrance)