Gdansk’s stunning Długi Targ and Ulica Długa

A few months ago I made my first visit to the northern Polish city of Gdansk.

The city is beautiful, and a walk around the city center allows you to admire the spectacular architecture. Nowhere is the richness more on display than the central streets of Długi Targ and Ulica Długa.

Długi Targ begins from the banks of the Moława River, and the Green Gate, the palace that once served as the residence of the Polish kings when they stayed in Gdansk. The square leads in to the street, Długi Targ, ending at the Golden Gate.

This pedestrian walkway boasts the homes of what would have been Gdansk’s wealthiest and most illustrious citizens. In 1457, this passageway officially became the route of all royal processions.

Ulica Długa means Long Street. The stunning homes that flank the street almost all date back to medieval times, but most were reconstructed during the Golden Age of the Hanseatic League.

Town Hall is located on this street, as is the Golden Home. The building is covered in sculptures and reliefs that were once completely coated with gold.

Sadly, the spectacular architecture of Długi Targ and Ulica Długa was almost completely destroyed by World War II bombing. The stark images of a destroyed city can be seen in Town Hall. The buildings were reconstructed piece by piece following the war.

During our stay in Gdansk, we found ourselves returning to this walk each day, enjoying then environment during the days and illuminated at night.