Golden Gate

The Golden Gate stands on ul. Długa in Gdańsk, in the Pomeranian region of Poland, and forms the western entrance to the Royal Route that leads to the Long Market. Built in 1612 to 1614 in the Dutch Mannerist style, it was designed by Abraham van den Blocke on the site of an older medieval gate, with sculptures by Johann Voigt and others. It replaced an earlier Gothic structure of the Main Town's defensive wall and was intended as a ceremonial entrance for visiting rulers rather than as a fortification. The facade is lavishly decorated. On the outer side four allegorical female sculptures represent Peace, Freedom, Wealth and Fame, while the city side shows Concord, Justice, Piety and Prudence. Latin inscriptions in gilded letters praise civic virtues and the harmony of the city. The gate is built of sandstone and brick, and its gilded details gave rise to its name. Its interior was used for storing city archives and later as part of the Gdańsk administrative buildings. The structure survived the heavy destruction of 1945 in a damaged state, with the sculptures taken to safety, and it was restored after the war; further conservation continues. It forms an architectural pair with the Upland Gate and the Prison Tower at the start of the Royal Route. The Golden Gate can be viewed free at any hour from the outside, and its facade is best seen in morning light. Inside, a small gallery section sometimes hosts the Gdańsk Amber Museum's exhibits. Visitors typically spend 15 to 20 minutes studying the sculptures before continuing along Długa street.