Golden Gate

Gdańsk


Built in 1612, the Golden Gate was designed by Abraham van den Block, son of the man behind the decoration of the Upland Gate. It's a sort of triumphal arch ornamented with a double-storey colonnade and topped with eight allegorical statues.

The four figures on the side of the Prison Tower represent Peace, Liberty, Wealth and Fame, for which Gdańsk was always struggling to achieve in spite of foreign powers (sometimes including the Polish kings). The sculptures on the opposite side symbolise the burghers' virtues: Wisdom, Piety, Justice and Concord. Today's figures are postwar copies of the 1648 originals.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Gdańsk attractions

1. Amber Museum

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2. Foregate

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The large 15th-century construction known as the Foregate consists of the Torture House (Katownia) to the west and a high Prison Tower (Wieża Więzienna)…

3. Upland Gate

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4. Uphagens' House

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5. Great Arsenal

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6. Royal Way

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7. Historical Museum of Gdańsk

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8. Town Hall

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