Gdansk is a city that played a key role in the history of the 20th century, and two places are particularly strong reminders of these events - the World War II Museum and Westerplatte.

The World War II Museum in Gdansk is a monumental building that is already impressive in its architecture alone. The building, designed by Studio Architektoniczne Kwadrat, symbolizes the clash of past, present and future. Its underground section, where the main exhibition is located, represents the dark past, while the tower rising into the sky symbolizes the future and hope. The museum opened in 2017 and quickly became one of the most important institutions of its kind in Europe.

The main exhibition occupies an impressive 5,000 square meters and takes visitors through the history of World War II, showing it from the perspective of ordinary people. What sets the Gdansk museum apart from other similar institutions is the universal message about the tragic fate of civilians during the conflict. The exhibition is divided into three main parts: 'The Road to War,' 'The Horror of War' and 'The Long Shadow of War,' which chronologically tell the story of the causes, course and consequences of the greatest conflict in human history.

Particularly moving are the authentic exhibits - letters written by soldiers to their families, personal items of concentration camp victims or reconstructed interiors of apartments from the occupation. The museum makes use of modern multimedia technologies, which allow to better understand and feel the atmosphere of those times. Among the most valuable exhibits is the enigma - a German cipher machine, the breaking of which by Polish mathematicians contributed to the victory of the Allies.

Just a few kilometers from the city center is Westerplatte - a peninsula that has become a symbol of the beginning of World War II. It was here on September 1, 1939 at 4:45 a.m. that the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the Polish Military Transit Depot, thus beginning the bloodiest conflict in the history of mankind. The garrison of only 182 soldiers under the command of Major Henryk Sucharski heroically defended itself for seven days against the overwhelming enemy forces, becoming a symbol of Polish resistance.

Today, Westerplatte is a place of national remembrance, home to a monumental 23-meter-high monument to the Defenders of the Coast, unveiled in 1966. Walking around the peninsula area, you can see the ruins of barracks, guardhouses and other buildings destroyed during the fighting, and learn about the history of the heroic defense through information boards located along the educational path.

An interesting fact is that near Westerplatte is the Wisloujscie Fortress - a fortification from the 16th century that guarded the entrance to the port of Gdansk. This lesser-known attraction is an excellent complement to a visit to the peninsula and allows you to better understand the strategic importance of the place over the centuries.

Both the World War II Museum and Westerplatte are places that not only tell the story of the tragic events of the past, but also carry a universal message about the value of peace and the need for dialogue between nations. For history buffs, these are must-see points during a visit to Gdansk, allowing you to better understand the complicated history of Poland and Europe in the 20th century.

The heart of historic Gdansk is undoubtedly the St. Mary's Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a monumental temple that has dominated the city skyline for centuries. This Gothic building, erected over 159 years (1343-1502), is the largest brick church in Europe, capable of accommodating up to 25,000 worshippers. Its monumental size - 105 meters long, 66 meters wide and 28 meters high in the nave - still impresses visitors today.

The interior of the basilica hides real treasures of sacred art. One of the most valuable is the 15th-century main altarpiece by Michael of Augsburg, depicting the coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Also attracting attention is an astronomical clock from 1464, the work of Hans Düringer, which indicates the phases of the moon and the position of the planets in addition to the hours. This clock is not only a precise measuring device, but also a work of decorative art.

The most distinctive feature of the basilica, however, is its 78-meter-high tower, which is reached by 409 stairs. The difficulty of the climb is rewarded by a spectacular view of the Old Town, the harbor and the Bay of Gdansk. According to local legend, from the tower of St. Mary's Basilica you can see all the most important events that took place in the city's history - from the glory days of the Hanseatic League to the tragic moments of World War II.

An interesting fact is that in the crypt under the floor of the basilica lie the remains of the famous astronomer Jan Hevelius, as well as other notable Danzigers. During World War II, the temple was severely damaged - the vault collapsed, the roofs and some of the furnishings burned. Reconstruction took several decades, and some restoration work is still being carried out today.

Leaving the basilica and heading towards the main thoroughfare of the Old Town, you will come across two monumental gates that for centuries have been the hallmark of Gdansk - the Upland Gate and the Golden Gate.

The Upland Gate, erected between 1574 and 1576 to a design by Hans Kramer, was the main entrance to the city from the south. This Renaissance building, decorated with the coats of arms of Poland, Royal Prussia and Gdansk, greeted newcomers with the Latin maxim 'Iustitia et pietas duo sunt regnorum omnium fundamenta' (Justice and piety are the foundation of all kingdoms). Today, the Upland Gate houses a tourist information center, where visitors can get maps and guides to the city.

Just a few dozen meters away is the Golden Gate - a true gem of Renaissance architecture, built in 1612-1614 according to a design by Abraham van den Blocke. Its name comes from the richly decorated gilded elements that once adorned the facade. The gate was almost completely destroyed during World War II and was not rebuilt until 1997. The eight allegorical figures adorning the attic symbolize the virtues that should guide the city's residents: Peace, Freedom, Wealth, Fame, Concord, Justice, Piety and Wisdom.

Between the Upland Gate and the Golden Gate stretches Long Street, which leads to one of the most beautiful squares in Europe - the Long Market. This representative urban space, which is an extension of Długa Street, was the heart of Gdansk's public and commercial life for centuries. It was here that the most important ceremonies, fairs and public gatherings took place.

The centerpiece of Dlugi Targ is the Fountain of Neptune, a symbol of the city, erected between 1606 and 1615. The statue of the Roman god of the seas, made of bronze and designed by Peter Husen, refers to the maritime identity of Gdansk. According to local legend, it was Neptune who contributed to the creation of Danzig's famous Goldwasser liqueur, tripping the water with his trident, which turned into golden particles.

Surrounding the square are richly decorated patrician tenements, the most famous of which is the Uphagen House at 12 Dluga St. This 18th-century residence of wealthy merchant Jan Uphagen has been transformed into a museum of bourgeois interiors, allowing you to travel back in time and see how the elite of Gdansk lived during its heyday.

Beyond the main tourist attractions, Gdansk hides a number of lesser-known but equally fascinating places that allow you to better understand the city's complex history. One such hidden treasure is the Romanesque Cellar - a Romanesque cellar hidden beneath the Dominican Church of St. Nicholas. This 13th-century structure is one of the oldest surviving architectural elements in the city and gives an idea of what Gdansk looked like in its early days. A visit to the site is a true trip back in time, allowing you to see the foundations on which the later Hanseatic city grew.

Not far from St. Mary's Basilica is the charming St. Mary's Street, often overlooked by tourists rushing to the main attractions. Meanwhile, it is here that you can feel the authentic spirit of old Gdansk. The street is famous for its characteristic forecourts - terraces in front of the entrances to tenement houses, which were a symbol of the status of their owners. Today, numerous amber studios and galleries are located here, referring to the city's tradition as a world center of trade in this 'Baltic gold'. It is worth knowing that St. Mary's Street is also home to the Archeological Museum, which presents the prehistory of Gdansk and the Pomeranian region, as well as the city's thousand-year history. Particularly interesting is the exhibition devoted to amber, showing its importance in the culture and economy of the region over the centuries.

Few people know that beneath the surface of Gdansk lies a vast network of underground corridors and cellars, which for centuries served as warehouses for Hanseatic merchants. Some of them are open to the public, such as the cellars under Artus Court, where you can see how valuable goods imported from all over the world were stored. These underground spaces tell a fascinating story about Gdansk's commercial ties with distant countries and cultures.

In turn, for those interested in maritime history, a must-see should be the National Maritime Museum, spread across several buildings in the city. Its main headquarters is located in historic granaries on Olowianka Island, but equally interesting are the expositions in the historic Żuraw, a medieval port crane that for centuries was a symbol of the city's economic power. Here you can see how this unique mechanism powered by human muscle power functioned, as well as learn about the history of Gdańsk boatbuilding and maritime trade.

One of the most unusual places in Gdansk that few people know about is the Wisloujscie Fortress - a fortification from the 16th century, located at the mouth of the Vistula River to the Baltic Sea. This perfectly preserved defensive structure has guarded access to the Gdansk port for centuries. Its characteristic element is the circular lighthouse tower, which offers a spectacular view of the Gdansk Bay. The fortress witnessed many historical events, including the siege of Gdansk by Stefan Batory's army in 1577.

Also worth mentioning are the local legends and stories that add color to the historical sites. One of them is the story of Karola Bober, a local baker who runs a bakery workshop and shares stories about the Kashubian region. Particularly moving is the story of three British pilots who crashed in the area during World War II. This tale, handed down from generation to generation, is a vivid testimony to the difficult times and international ties that shaped the town's fate.

History buffs may also find the Westerplatte galleon cruise, available seasonally, an interesting experience. This stylized historical vessel allows you to look at Gdansk from the perspective of the water - as it was seen for centuries by sailors and merchants coming to the city. During the cruise you can admire the panorama of the Old Town, the historic fortifications and the industrial heritage of the port of Gdansk.

Gdansk is a city that is best explored slowly, getting off the beaten tourist track and delving into its lesser-known nooks and crannies. It is there, away from the crowds, that you can discover real treasures and hear fascinating stories that have not made it into the official guidebooks. Every street, every alley and every historic building has a story waiting to be discovered.