Polish seaside

Hello:)

Today I would like to write you bit more about some interesting places of Polish seaside.
As you have already learnt while reading this blog of mine with attention;) Polish landscape contains mountains in the south and Baltic Sea in the north. No mountains in the Baltic Sea area but many places there that are worthy to mention too.
I would like to start my story in Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot. Location of Gdańsk and Gdynia-two of three Polish cities that build Tri-City region can be seen on the map below:

And here is another map of whole Baltic sea area where Gdańsk is marked by a black ring:
And here are some interesting facts about Trójmiasto (Tri city) cause Polish people gave one name to these three Polish seaside cities that are very close to one another. Today I will start with Gdańsk. In next entry I will describe Sopot and Gdynia cause there is less writing about them compared to Gdańsk as it seems to me.

Gdańsk

Gdańsk is the Polish maritime capital with the population nearing half a million. It is a large centre of economic life, science, culture, and a popular tourist destination. Lying on the Bay of Gdańsk and the southern coast of the Baltic Sea the city is a thousand years old. With its Hanseatic tradition, it has for ages played a major role in the commercial relationships between Northern and Western Europe on the one hand, and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe on the other hand. Today, Gdańsk is the capital of the Pomeranian province and an important administration centre. On the picture beneath you can enjoy general view of Gdańsk from the sea.

Gdańsk - an open city

In its "golden age" the city enjoyed the specific status of a municipal republic. It was also a melting pot of cultures and ethnical groups. The air of tolerance and the wealth built on trade made culture, science and art flourish. Today, works by outstanding Gdańsk masters can be admired in museums, churches, and galleries. These collections, as well as the historic sites of enchanting beauty witness a thousand years of the city's continuined existence. The break-through events of the most recent turbulent period are documented in the multi-medial
exhibition "Roads to Freedom" arranged in the historic BHP hall of the Gdańsk Shipyard. The exposition recalls the local struggle for freedom and justice, and the birth of the first Independent Trade Union, "Solidarity". These developments triggered the avalanche that toppled communism in Europe.

From amber to high-tech
In the past Gdańsk used to be to know from the specific trade of amber processing but today it is from minor in importance. However Gdańsk still cultivates its centuries-long tradition in the field, and its nickname of the world capital of amber is well earned. Just like in the olden days the city owes much to its sea port. The harbour, largest along the Polish coast and in the entire Southern Baltic basin, continues to develop.

Gdańsk - a green city
The nature was very generous here. Sprawling on the southern Baltic coast, Gdańsk gains a lot thanks to its background of the picturesque Tri-City Landscape Park and the hills and lakes of the nearby Kashubian Switzerland district. The offer addressed at those who seek leisure at the sea comprises twenty three kilometres of clean beaches three organised bathing grounds, and a 130-metre long pie. There are many cycling tracks in Gdańsk, you can visit famous "Oliwa Park"with its ancient trees, the "Gdańsk Fortress" Culture Park of City Fortifications with unique authentic military architecture, numerous parks and city squares, or the nature reserves of the Sobieszowo Island. The list is far from complete. The heart of the Old City features a yacht marina.

Here you can admire some characteristic panoramas of Gdańsk:
1. Beautiful Old City with the most characteristic city's feature- Neptun's fountain (Neptun was Greek god of sea)

2. Other panoramas:


I think it is worthy to visit Gdańsk and recommend it to everyone:)