Poland - Eastern Europe - page 457

and houses the houses of former president and Solidarity leader Lech Wa l7 sa. Walk
through the Green Gate and you'll find the Mot l awa canal and a picture-perfect sea-
side promenade. Turn left on D l ugie Pobrze 9 e and continue up a few blocks, turn-
ing back into the city through St. Mary's Gate to ul. Mariacka. This is one of the
most picturesque of the side streets that flank D l uga and it's the heart of “Amberville.”
In nearly every shop on the street you'll find gold, brown, and green amber broaches,
pendants, necklaces, and earrings. At the western end of Mariacka you'll find the
imposing red-brick monolith of the Church of St. Mary, reputedly the largest red-
brick church in the world.
The Gda ^ sk shipyards and the Solidarity memorial are located north of the central
city, about 15 minutes' walk from D l uga. You'll need a map or at least some persever-
ance as you meander along the old streets until you see the big 38m-high (125-ft.)
piece of steel that marks the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers.
Town Hall One of the country's finest town halls; the original building dates
from the 14th century, but it was badly damaged during World War II and what you
see today is a very nicely turned out reconstruction. The building is beautiful inside
and out. One of the highlights inside is the Red Room (Sala Czerwona), truly red,
with its sumptuous furniture and ceiling and wall paintings. At the center is a paint-
ing entitled The Glorification of the Unity of Gda ^ sk with Poland. Take a stroll through
the city's historical museum here, noting the black-and-white photographs of Gda ^ sk
in 1945 and its near total destruction in the war.
Dluga 47. & 058/767-91-00. Free admission. May-Sept Tues-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm, Mon 10am-3pm;
Oct-Apr closed Mon.
Arthur's Court (Dwór Artusa) One of the most impressive houses in the city
was recently opened to the public after extensive renovation. The “Arthur's Court,”
named for King Arthur, was founded as a meeting place for the town's wealthiest busi-
nessmen and leading dignitaries. The house dates from the 14th century, but was
remodeled several times, including once in the 19th century when it was given its neo-
Gothic look following the vogue of the time. One of the highlights inside is a 9m-high
(30-ft.) Renaissance tiled oven. The exterior was demolished in World War II, but
many of the interior pieces had been removed beforehand and survived the fighting.
Dlugi Targ 43/44. & 058/767-91-00. Free admission. May-Sept Tues—Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm; Oct-Apr
shorter opening hours, closed Mon.
St. Mary's Church This enormous red-brick church is reputedly the largest of
its kind in the world. Its nave and 31 chapels can hold more 20,000 people. The
church endeared itself to the people of Gda ^ sk in the years after the imposition of
martial law in 1981 when members of the Solidarity trade union sheltered here. The
church is more impressive from the outside than in; it was badly damaged during
World War II and the frescoes inside were covered over in white. Note the astronom-
ical clock on the outside; it not only tells time, but gives the phases of moon, and
shows the position of the sun and the moon in relation to the signs of the zodiac. If
you're feeling up to it climb the 402 steps to top of the tower for an unparalleled view
over the city.
Podkramarksa 5. Daily 9am-6pm.