Green Gate of Gdansk

Green Gate at dusk, Gdansk

So, today we are visiting Green Gate. To tell you the truth, no-one really knows why it is called Green Gate. Some speculate the name comes from the color of window glass, or wooden gate. However most probable is that the name comes from the color of stone used as a building material.

Green Gate, Gdansk

The Green Gate comes at the end of Long Market and it is situated by Motlawa river. From this point you can stroll by the river on the Motlawa Long Embankment, or go around Granary Island.

Green Gate, view from Long Market

One thing is certain, the gate was build in 1564 -1568 by Ragnier from Amsterdam and Hans Kramer from Dresden. The gate is kept in Netherlands Mannerism style. Originally this is the starting point of Royal Route, which is known now as Long Market (Dlugi Targ) and Long Lane (ulica Dluga).

The arcades of Green Gate

Some people think that the gate was build for royal family. This isn't entirely true. Primarily the building was used as public space, where various celebrations took place. Also city guards and nightwatchman stationed there. On 9th of February 1570 a transfer ceremony was held, when the building was handed to Polish royal family. Unfortunately no royal member of Polish monarchs ever stayed in the Green Gate (except future wife of Polish king - Marie Louise Gonzaga, who stayed in the gate a little over a week).

Birdview of Green Gate, Old Gdansk

The gate originally had only three arcades, the forth one was build in 1883. Of course it was richly decorated, with statues, busts and crests. Novelty of the building are the bricks that were used to build it. The bricks are of smaller that normal size, that were brought from Amsterdam in ships as ballast.

Green Gate at night, Gdansk

Nowadays it is a house for exhibitions held by National Museum and street musicians. Almost always when strolling in the area, you can stumble upon musicians playing in one of the arcades. Therefore today I had a pleasure of taking pictures to sweet sound of Lord of the Ring track, performed by some kind of violin and guitar combo. I can't say it was unpleasant :)

The orchestra at Green Gate :)

Och, one more thing. Originally the building was heavily decorated with statues and other carvings. I read that there were 7 crests (of Gdansk, Poland, Royal Prussia and Hohenzollern Dynasty) also 20 figures at the tops, 4 busts in cartouches, 4 busts in tondos and 12 heads over tondos. If you find yourself having a stroll by the Green Gate, check if they are still there.

Green Gate, view from Motlawa river