Highland Gate

I visited the Christmas Market here yesterday and it was really great. I am not sure if it is the best in Europe but it must rank very highly. Obviously there are lots of food stalls and cheap trinkets but I managed to find some really good quality handmade goods for reasonable prices. Highly recommended but wrap up warm!!

Highland Gate is one of the main entrances to Gdańsk's Old Town and the starting point for Long Street and the core of the Old Town. Built in the 16th century, this magnificent stone gate, a blend of Renaissance and fortification styles, exudes a majestic presence. Its symmetrical exterior and intricate stone carvings and decorations symbolize the glory and power of the city. Passing through Highland Gate is like entering the history of Gdańsk, welcoming you to a historic old street. It is not only a popular photo spot, but also a key landmark for understanding the development of the city. It is highly recommended to start your tour of the Old Town here, first admiring the imposing facade of the gate before slowly walking along Long Street towards the Town Hall, the Neptune Fountain and the Great Market Square, offering a complete historical experience. Crowded with tourists during the day, it becomes even more enchanting at night when illuminated. The Highland Gate, a guardian of Gdańsk's history, is the perfect starting point for exploring the city.

This building was part of the Christmas market we went their for with all the lights around the building was amazing.

Stumbled upon it. Bit hard to stand in front of to admire, with the road crossing being right there. But sure beautiful to look at.

Small selection of books and souvenirs inside. Helpful staff if you're looking for directions or local points of interest. Beautiful from the outside, lots of interesting detail....it even has a unicorn 🦄.

Pick up a walking tour, better on a dry day. Such as yellow umbrella and you will see more in a short time. Our guide was 'Kate Dynamite' and walk was two and half hours. Many facts and history of Gdansk.

One of the main gateway into the beautiful city of Gdansk. Too bad, it has veen turned into tourist souvenir place, sadly. Brama Wyżynna (Upland Gate), Gdansk The Upland Gate (Brama Wyżynna) in Gdańsk, built in the 16th century, served as the main entrance to the Old Town and marked the beginning of The Royal Way. Its strategic upland location above the water level is reflected in its name, 'Upland Gate'. This positioning was significant, as it was constructed in relation to the moat that surrounded the city, emphasizing its defensive function. The Upland Gate is renowned for its architectural beauty, featuring the Mannerist style typical of its era. It was once a part of Gdańsk's defensive ramparts and was originally accessed via a drawbridge over a moat, showcasing the city's medieval defensive strategies. The system's details, like the metal pulleys for the drawbridge, remain visible under Poland, Prussia, and Gdańsk's coats of arms, providing insight into the gate's history. Significantly, the gate has long been a site of ceremonial significance, where visiting monarchs were welcomed with keys to the city, symbolizing their access and high esteem. This tradition highlights the gate's role as a symbol of power and hospitality. The Upland Gate was designed and supervised by Hans Kramer from Dresden, with the artistic contributions of Willem Van Den Blocke, who crafted the sculpted leaves adorning the walls. These elements contribute to the gate's aesthetic and historical significance. In modern times, the gate has been subject to major renovation work and now houses a tourist information point, making it an essential stop for visitors exploring Gdańsk. Walking through the Upland Gate is akin to retracing the steps of historical figures, offering a tangible connection to the past. This gate is not only an architectural marvel but also a testament to Gdańsk's historical importance and resilience.

The Brama Wyżynna, or the "High Gate," in Gdańsk is an iconic Renaissance structure that served as the main entrance to the city in the 16th century. Built between 1574 and 1576 by Dutch architect Hans Kramer, it was part of the larger fortification system designed to protect the city. The gate's design is a mix of architectural styles, showcasing Renaissance elements with a touch of Dutch Mannerism, which was popular in Northern Europe at the time. Architectural Highlights Structure: Brama Wyżynna has a robust, rectangular structure with three arches. The central arch was used by carriages and pedestrians, while the two side arches served as additional pathways. Decoration: The gate is richly decorated with various emblems, including the coat of arms of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Gdańsk, and Prussia, symbolizing the city’s significance and alliances. The intricate stonework and details reflect the artistic skill of the period. Statues and Symbols: The top of the gate features sculptures of lions holding shields and various allegorical figures representing virtues, such as courage and justice.