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

Go Bunkers, really Bunkers!

Here comes the darkness...

I know I did go bunkers already. But to be frank, it was a very brief visit. I was rushed by my companion, who was rushed by unexpected guests, who turned out weren't unexpected at all, but just forgotten :)

Shall we go in???

As we power-walked around the bunkers, I peeked through entrance holes. I am a wuss in nature, so I can pretend all I like that I didn't explore the underground, because there wasn't much time. The truth is, even if I had all the time in the world, I wouldn't go in.

Outside, yesssss!!!

So when I came across information about organised walk through soon-to-be-demolished bunkers, I was all in and very exited. Luckily for me I managed to pass my exitement to few other people that decided to tag along :)

Here comes the light, go towards it

I expected a guide, who will walk a group of 50-something people around, like when you sightsee a city with a guide, or a museum, or a castle. I imagined that as we walk though bunkers with the guide, I will be told so much about the place that I could imagine soldiers being there as we toured.

Closed off exit, trapped???

Well, there was none of that going on. As it turned out, it was a group of friends and enthusiasts, who sightsee bunkers together. So, unfortunately I did not find out anything new about the history of the buildings, or what there were used for. Despite that it was worth going. First of all we saw all the bunkers in the area (the ones still hidden in forest too). As it turns out half of them were hidden.

Bathroom :)

Another plus, and a huge one, is that with all these people and their powerful flashlights and no fear of any kind, we decided to dive in. At first very hesitant (all we were equipped with were phone flashlights, that comparing with our new friends torches were like candlelight).

Candle-lit picture

First bunker and surprise already. I thought there will be a small room (let's call it multipurpose room), but behind that room, there was a corridor linking other rooms. It was quite big. It took about 10 minutes (that felt like half an hour) to look in every room, I was getting scared I won't find the way back. When we resurfaced I was very grateful for the sun.

Lovely forest

As "the tour" progressed we become more relaxed underground, as much so that all my companions scattered around exploring new spaces on their own. Added bonus was a gorgeous weather and beautiful forest, even this time of the year.

Transformer room, aka. Common-room

Despite of lack of concrete information about the bunkers, I did find out that some of them were build in c.a. 1900 and were used by German army in war. I also know now were the transformer room is (that information I obtained when sightseeing said room. I suggested to my fellow companions that it was common-room, as it was quite big. To that suggestion one enthusiast enlightened me that it was not. Also I found that what I thought to be a broken lamp, was in fact a powering source).

See you underground :)

Gdynia Downtown Beach

Panorama of Gdynia Downtown Beach

Today was a beautiful day. And that is even an understatement. A true spring day, the sun was shining bright, warm wind was blowing gently and there wasn't a single cloud on the sky. Naturally I decided I must go to the beach, the only question in mind was which one :) Since I haven't been to Gdynia in a while, I decided to go there.

Gorgeous beach, Gdynia

Gdynia Downtown Beach is one of the busiest beaches in Gdynia. Not only it is close to the  city centre and seaside boulevard, it is also close to Kosciuszki square (where are all the bars, cafes, restaurants and ships :).

Ship masts in the sun, Gdynia

This beach is one of the few that has all the amenities that a beach should have: showers, toilets, changing rooms, medical station and sunbeds rental. The beach is also life guarded in the season. There are also volleyball station to use freely.

Volleyball field at Gdynia Downtown Beach

There is also a playground for children, so if you are bored of running after your kid, who is trying to build a sand castle, or find a perfect seashell, you can just stick him in a swing and both of you will be happy :)

Lovely day at Gdynia Downtown Beach

Gdynia Downtown Beach also seen its share of great events too. Every year it hosts a concert that attracts thousand of people, called Cudawianki (Wonders Wreaths) that celebrates the end of school year, and more importantly, the beginning of summer. This beach also hosted RedBull Air Race in 2014.

Shiny waves at Gdynia Downtown Beach

But the thing I get most jealous about is the students of Maritime Academy of Gdynia, who get to live by that beach. How, you ask? Pretty easy, as there are student dorms located, I'd say literally on the beach, but it might be about 2 minutes walk. Not only the dorms are are close to the beach, most of the rooms comes with stunning sea views, that would cause your jaw to drop to the floor. And who says that being a student is tough?

Student dorms, Gdynia Downtown Beach

To sum up. If you are looking for a place to tan in peace, maybe read a book in quite, do not go to Gdynia Downtown Beach. However if you like vibrant places with plenty and more to do, this is definitely place for you. So, have fun!

Panorama of Gdynia Downtown Beach, take 2 :)

Go Bunkers :)

Remains of battery

This time I decided to go see bunkers. I decided to go after I read an article on local website that urged to go see the bunkers, because they will be demolished soon. I felt the time urged so I decided to go see the bunkers on the weekend. I also got exited because I didn't know there were so many of them. Well, I knew there were few bunkers around Westerplatte and I knew there are bunkers all around TriCity, but I always thought of them as bomb shelters.

25 firing position Permanent Artillery Battery, and the ship.

The day was lovely, sun came out and it was so inviting to go and do stuff outside. Unfortunately when I got around the sun disappeared. As I was preparing for the short trip I begin worrying: what if I don't find the bunkers? what if I get arrested? what if they are already demolished? what if is dangerous there? I read in the article that the bunkers are located in the port area that is under surveillance of Port Guards. Since that area is considered "the border" trespassing isn't allowed.

Camouflaged bunker

As always I was accompanied by somebody, who wasn't the least thrilled to tag along :) As we were driving I was wondering if we are going the right way, but as we got of the main road there wasn't much choice of direction except straight forward :) When we drove of the wooded area I got surprised by a humongous ship, that seemed to come out of nowhere, then I noticed the bunkers :)

25 firing position Permanent Artillery Battery entrance

Since the port is expanding and a new terminal will be build on the ground were the bunkers are, the preparations have begun, therefore all the trees were cut (most of the fortification bunkers are hidden in the forest that surround the beaches).

Replacement fire control point BAS 25.

I seems that the fortifications come from after II WW, when it was decided that it was necessary to rebuild Gdansk coast defence, but haven't been looked after since the '70. However I looks like these bunkers aren't the first ones build in the area and fortifications were built there before I WW.

Remains of bunkers in Gdansk bay area

It is sad that part of the history is being destroyed, but in defence of that I say that the fortifications are in poor shape, also they never actually were used in defence. Also I have learnt that there is something called Coastal Fortifications Trail. It is best to follow the trail by bike, since it is quite a distance. I hope I will conquer it when spring comes :)

Coastal Fortifications Trail; source: trojmiasto.pl

The Teutonic Knights Castle of Gdansk

The Teutonic Knights Castle of Gdansk Panorama

So I got inspired by one post of my new friends of Gdańsk, Danzig, Gdansk, Freie Stadt Danzig. So inspired that I immediately wanted act on my inspiration. You can certainly guess that the post was about Teutonic Knights castle of Gdansk.

"Swan Tower" post Teutonic

Wow, I thought, Gdansk finally is going to be one of the cities that have castles. I mean, nowadays cities can get anything: skyscrapers, shopping malls, even lakes,but not castles. Like the old medieval ones. I am sure you understand how exiting it was, Gdansk would advance in city ranks for sure.

Fortification Wall, Gdansk

The good news is that not all cities of the world had Teutonic Knights castle within the city limits. The bad news is that all that is left of Teutonic Knights castle is a tower and a little wall. I say, better this than nothing :)

Mighty Teutonic Tower :)

The history of Teutonic Knights Castle is quite rich and starts in X century, with wooden castle which didn't belong to Teutonic Knights at all. Well, calling it castle is a little of overstatement. It was more like a fortified manor house. In XII century, as a celebration of Pomerelia joining Poland, two brick structures where added: a church and a tower (that beside serving defence purposes, was also used by prince and his family as their private quarters when they came to visit).

This isn't Teutonic wall, but we can pretend it is:) right?

So, how the Teutonic Knights did take over the castle? In 1308 Gdansk was attacked by Brandenburg Margraves and since Gdansk couldn't fight them off, they hired help: the Teutonic Knights.

Panorama of former grounds of the Teutonic Knights Castle in Gdansk

The Teutonic Knights did fight the other army off, but they didn't leave. Instead they took over the castle, and started adding buildings and fortifications. When they finished the upper castle consisted of: infirmary, kitchen with chamber, the commander chamber, bath house, cellar, armory, dormitories, church with library, chapter house, refectory, and a bakery.

Supposed map of the castle grouds, source: zamki.pl

The word consisted of: woodshed, granaries, grindery, cloakroom attendant storerooms, forge, workshops, stables. All of it was of course surrounded by curtain, donjon, towers. They were fully equipped too. From registry we know they stored, among others, crossbows, bolts, bombard, saltpeter and of course helmets and other armour and weapons.

Supposed view of the castle, source: altiok.blox.pl

Not only did they have the "state of the art" castle. The fact of Gdansk being the hub of transport and trade, made this Teutonic Knights Castle one of the richest and most influential. 

The Teutonic Knights actual wall, Gdansk

The rule of Teutonic Knights in Gdansk came to an end in XV century. The clever people of Gdansk then proceeded to demolish some of the fortification, and then rebuilding it back (like the only tower that still remains to this day). 

The tower, view from the other side 

Unfortunately nobody knows how the castle really looked like. The only painting that portraying the castle was destroyed in WWII. Thanks a lot!

The Teutonic Tower up close

There you have it, the one and only mysterious castle that, well still exists within the city. The most obvious is the tower, and piece of curtain. I read that some pieces of fortification are still embedded in walls of nearby restaurant, and also remember that hotel by the tower is build on foundations of the castle.

Winter in the City - TriCity

On the way to Ski Land :)

Long time, no see :-) Unfortunately I have experienced close encounter with not one, but two dental surgeons. As a result, I am growing bruise on my cheek and haven't had any solid food for a week :( Only comfort I have at the moment is that I can catch up with my ice cream eating :-) My biggest worry is that this Thursday is Fat Thursday and i won't be able to eat donuts.

Train stop covered in snow - it is winter time!

Anyhow, back when I looked like myself I wanted to explore more winter activities that you can enjoy in, or around TriCity. As I wanted to get out of the city I decided I will go skiing. Actually I decided I am going skiing about 2 months ago. It just took that long to moan somebody into coming with me. Fortunately volunteer was found before all the snow melted.

Winter landscape, what else would you need?

There are few ski slopes around TiriCity, with the closest being around half hour drive to about hour. (there is one ski slope in TriCity, more specifically in Sopot, but due to TriCity microclimate, might be closed if winter is not very wintery :) All of the ski slopes offer ski rental, tutoring and i am pretty sure all of them have bar or some kind of facility to eat in. Also, some have more than one slope and are artificially snowed, but all of them have some sort of skilift.

Winter branches

I choose to go to the closest one, not only because it is closest, but also because it seemed to be the least crowded. I did brag how I skied when I was a child in order to find somebody to come with. But truth to be told I had skis on one time in my life before and was skiing on a hillock so small that you wouldn't know that it was a hillock if you weren't told. However I didn't expect it to be any difficult, after watching all the winter adds where everybody is a professional skier, even cartoon characters. I was convinced is easy as pie.

Icy road, and sunbathing dog

It is nice to get out of town once in a while, especially in winters. TriCity has a special microclimate. Everywhere around is winter, but in TriCity is autumn, or if we are lucky - spring :-) so I really enjoyed the drive and the views. However when I got to the ski slope my heart stopped and I was ready to run back home, and if it wasn't for my pride I would. The slope looked much steeper and higher than on their website, it was also much busier than I expected.

Ski slope from the bottom

Let's just say that I turned out to be the best at putting shoes on and off, the other stuff - not so much. Just to get to skilift I had to use help of everybody and everything around me: fellow skier, their ski poles, wooden fence, workers, plastic fence. At one point I wished i could crawl. And all of that before I even got to the top of the slope.

Ski slope - the middle

Once I got to the top I was even more scared. It was much higher that I thought it would be. As I proceeded down I almost skied of the slope path into a ditch, also whenever I wanted to stop I was only gaining speed. The only way I figured out how to stop was to throw myself on the ground.

Ski slope - the top

As a result after 20 min of me trying ski I started to feel as if I went swimming not skiing. Not only all my cloths were wet. I had wet hair and was getting wrinkled skin of my fingers from constant water. I can truthfully say that 5-year-old skis better than me. After making that observation you cannot wonder that after one downhill ride I was done and ready to go home.

Funny enough, when that trip convinced me I am clearly not made for skiing, everyone wants to go skiing :-) Go figure!