Here is a city I have not heard anyone tell me about in their travels. Have any of you been here before? It is now one of my favorite places. Again, the history, the people, the beauty of the city mixing old and new and the food. Our first day, we visited the Stutthof Concentration Camp in the morning and had an opportunity to drive through the country-side thru farm fields and small villages. It was a national holiday, Feast of Corpus Christi. The small villages were celebrating with processions to church’s for worship services.

We arrive back in Gdańsk for a walking tour through the old town area. Because of the holiday, it is very busy. In the old town area, it is pedestrian only which allows for moving around without a worry of cars. Our first photo stop opportunity the famous Green Gate.

Lunch next and as you guessed it – pierogis, bread with lard spread and dessert – a giant piece of cake. How many carbs in this meal!? Why are the people here not fat!

Our tour guides walks us down the Main Street to see the many interesting buildings and hear a story about each. The street scene includes homes, shops, restaurants, fountains, churches, city buildings and bars. Gdańsk is also at night a party city.

One building in Gdańsk deserves its own mention – St. Mary’s Church. There has been a church on this site since the 1200’s and the cornerstone for this building was placed in 1343. There is much history and artwork in the church. Some pieces of art and icons have been moved to a museum. The altar is a golden wonder. Both Lutheran and Catholic services were held in the church at one time. It was turned over to the Catholic diocese.

The most famous tourist item in the church is the astronomical clock. It was built in the 15th Century and protected during WW2. You can read about it on the internet and find some fun videos on YouTube. We were lucky to be able to find a chair and sit in front of the clock at 12 Noon when all the various doors open and the procession of the Magi, the Apostles and Death come out of the sides while the music is being played. At the top are Adam and Even who ring a bell to mark the hour. Amazing!