Day 8 ~ Gdańsk, Poland

Gdańsk (Danzig in German) began as a Polish stronghold in the 980s giving Poland access to the trade routes of the Baltic Sea. Its luster harkens back to medieval times when it was one of the most prosperous cities of the Hanseatic League (the organization created to protect the members’ economic interests). The city's history is complex, with periods of Polish rule, periods of Prussian or German rule, and periods of autonomy or self-rule as a "free city". On September 1, 1939 the Germans attacked Gdansk, marking the beginning World War II. During the war, most of the buildings in Gdansk were destroyed but have since been restored. After the war, Gdansk became part of the Soviet Union. In August, 1980, Gdańsk Shipyard was the birthplace of the Solidarity trade union movement, whose opposition to the Communist regime led to the end of Communist Party rule in 1989. Today, Gdańsk is a major shipping port and tourist destination with a population of 464,000 in the city and 1 million in the metropolitan area.

The Main Town Hall in Gdańsk houses the History Museum of the City of Gdańsk. Its origins date back to the 14^th century.

Neptune Fountain was originally constructed between 1606 and 1633.

Long Market was established in the 13th century, initially as a merchant road leading to the oval market place. Soon the street became the city's main artery. It was also called the Royal Route because it served as a road of solemn entrances into the city during the visitations by Polish monarchs. The street was inhabited by the most prominent and wealthy citizens of the Royal City of Gdańsk.

The Golden Gate forms a part of the old city fortifications at one end of Long Market. The building behind the gate is Prison Tower and Torture Chamber. It was here that executions were carried out until the middle of the 19th century.

The Great Armory was built in 1600-09 on the medieval line of the city walls. A working arsenal until the 1800's, the armory remains the finest example of Renaissance architecture in the city.

Construction of St. Mary's Catholic Church (the brick church in the background) began sometime between 1343 and 1379 and is currently the second largest brick church in the world. Between 1536 and 1572, it was used for Roman Catholic and Lutheran services simultaneously, then exclusively Lutheran until after the Second World War when it was returned to the Catholic diocese. It was badly damaged during the war with reconstruction and renovation continuing today.

Royal Chapel of the Polish King (Pink building in the foreground) was built in baroque style between 1678–1681. Initially, both Catholics and Lutherans were able to worship here; however near the end of the 16th Century, the Protestants occupied the entire building, while the Catholics were forced to squeeze into the rooms of the rectory. The chapel was also badly damaged during World War II but has since been restored.

The Monument to the Defenders of Westerplatte honors those who fought in the Battle of Westerplatte. This battle was the first clash between Polish and German forces during the invasion of Poland and thus, the first battle of the European theater of World War II. Our ship was docked at Westerplatte.

Tomorrow morning, we will explore Rostock, Germany.