Why Gdansk?
Gdansk - the Polish maritime capital with a population of nearly half a million is a thousand years old. With its Hanseatic tradition, over the ages it has played a major role in trade between Northern and Western Europe as well as Central and Eastern European countries. In its "golden age", the city enjoyed the specific status of a municipal republic - and a melting pot of cultures and ethnical groups. The air of tolerance and the wealth built on trade allowed culture, science and art to flourish. Today, you can find works by outstanding Gdañsk artists as well as historical sites of enchanting beauty that have witnessed a thousand years of the city's existence, there, within your reach. Also Poland's recent break-through events are documented in the exhibition "Roads to Freedom" in the historical Gdansk Shipyard, which recalls the local struggle for freedom and justice and the birth of the first independent trade union, "Solidarity"- events that triggered the fall of communism in Europe.
Nowadays Gdansk's industrial map continues to include some traditional branches, like shipping; however, the specific amber processing trade is of particular importance. Gdansk cultivates a century-long tradition in the field, living up to its reputation as the world capital of amber. Just like in the golden days, the city owes much to its sea port.
A good handful of higher education institutions give the city a strong research and academic base as well as filling it with over a hundred thousand students. The city may be old but it bustles with life around the clock; the hundreds of pubs and clubs only begin to close their doors just as the sun is coming up. Shopping centres tempt customers with attractive prices, and many newly-built hotels meet the demands of even the pickiest of tourists.
Due to the now regular and direct flights to Gdansk from the biggest European cities, more and more visitors are coming to Gdansk every year, including those attending conferences and conventions. Gdansk is coming into fashion.
Come and visit Gdansk!
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