The oldest documented mention of Zuraw as a wooden port crane was in 1367. What you see today, however, was reconstructed in the middle of the 15th century after a devastating fire devoured the original structure. The large crane was used to place masts on ships and to load cargo. During World War II, the wooden area was destroyed and only 60% of the brick portion remained in tact. After the war, Zuraw was once again rebuilt and handed over to the museum. Today you can find different exhibits detailing the interesting history of the entire port of Gdansk. The crane is home to a branch of the Maritime Museum.
Neptune's Fountain.
Neptune's Fountain, in the center of Dlugi Targ (the Long Market) has grown to be one of Gdansk's most recognizable symbols. The bronze statue of the Roman god of the sea was first erected in 1549, before being aptly made into a fountain in 1633. Like the city he represents, Neptune has had a storied history, himself - dismantled and hidden during World War II, old Neptune didn't come out of hiding until 1954 when he was restored to his rightful place in the heart of the city, reminding us of Gdansk's relationship to the sea. Chances are you've already had your photo taken with this mighty trident-wielding behemoth, or will soon. The colourful buildings of Dlugi Targ make a great backdrop for any photo-op, so flash those gums and say 'cheese!'
The Long Street.
The main and the most representative street of the old town of Gdansk is called Ulica (abbrevation ul.) Dluga which means Long Street. The street is closed for traffic and crowded with pedestrians. Although it's only about 400 m long, it took me a few hours to see, visit and taste some of its attractions: food, museums, architecture etc. It's probably the only street in the old Gdansk without any church put along. Commerce of the wealthy city instead of any religion had to rule between the Golden Gate in the west and the Long Market (Dlugi Targ) with the Green Gate in the east.
Golden Gate.
The Zlota Brama, or Golden Gate, is the second gate on the Royal Route. The gate was designed and constructed for the St. George Brotherhood, an elite rifle club and social group, by Abraham van der Block and Jan Strakowski. The gate is a mix of Flemish and Italian styles and since its reconstruction and renovation it has served as a symbol of the city as a whole. The actual portal of this gate is slightly rotated, so that as you walk through the gate, you are treated to an exceptional view of Dluga street and the Old Town Hall!
The gate itself is adorned with gold trim, but has a very clean, sharp look to it. Eight figures stand proudly on top of the gate, four facing the Upland Gate (Peace, Freedom, Wealth, and Fame) and four facing Dluga Street (Concord, Justice, Piety, and Reason). Below the figures, but above the proud Gdansk City symbol, reads another Latin Maxim: ?mall states grow in harmony, large states fall in discord?
Now, it is time to pack up and go home!!!
