Green Gate (Zielona Brama)

The Green Gate (Zielona Brama) at Dlugi Targ 24 closes the eastern end of the Royal Way and opens onto the Motlawa river waterfront in the Main Town of Gdansk, in Poland's Pomeranian region. Built in the 16th century in Dutch Mannerist style, the red-brick building has four arched passages and a symmetrical, palace-like facade, and it was originally intended as a residence for visiting Polish monarchs. It is one of the most recognisable structures in the city, and it marks the point where the formal ceremonial street meets the working harbour. Today the building houses a branch gallery of the National Museum in Gdansk, and the passage through the gate remains open at all hours. Visitors can walk through the arches to reach the riverfront promenade on the other side, where the quay, the moored boats and the view along the Motlawa are among the classic scenes of Gdansk. The gallery hours vary, so those who wish to go inside should confirm at mng.gda.pl before arriving. Walking through the passage takes only a minute or two, but a visit of 15 to 20 minutes allows time to study the facade and the stonework, and to photograph the gate from both sides. The best vantage point for the traditional view is the Long Market side, looking east through the arch towards the river, and from the quay looking back at the front of the building with the water in the foreground. Late afternoon light falls on the brick and makes the colours richer, while early morning gives the quietest conditions. The gate is busiest when tour groups and boat passengers pass through in the middle of the day. It lies about 15 minutes on foot from Gdansk Glowny railway station, and the Gdansk Crane is only three minutes further along the waterfront.