The city of Gdansk is one of a kind. Other cities are merely similar. Its unique location and over a thousand-year history have placed Gdansk on the European map as a distinct city, with a strong and grounded position. Yet this city still hides many mysteries and thus, has that special something which makes it stand out from the rest. 

Gdansk is nothing without freedom. Courage, freshness and most importantly freedom are the ingredients which mark the true tradition of Gdansk. Yet what is valued most highly by the inhabitants of Gdansk – virtue – is what has shaped and created the unique genius loci of the city.  This genius loci cannot only be felt within the tenements of the Old City but also among the shipyard cranes of the Young City district, on beautiful, sandy beaches and in post-industrial halls, parks and tunnels: freedom is omnipresent in Gdansk, it is almost tangible. It inspires and transforms both space and people. This is what the inhabitants of Gdansk are like: courageous, involved, full of passion and creative. This is what modern Gdansk is like: open to new ideas, following the spirit of time, creating events, surprising all the time.  

Gdansk - the city of freedom, changes its image from day to day. In the recent past, it has been the centre of events, which have changed the course of European history. August 1980 marks the dates of the strike in the Gdansk Shipyard, which was led by Lech Wałęsa and brought about the establishment of Solidarność, a great social movement, which ruled the imaginations of millions of people. These are the events which triggered freedom movements worldwide and allowed us to believe that the impossible really is possible.

Culture

The thousand-year history was not only a time of merchants but also artists who still abound in our city. We have huge theatrical traditions and modern cinema halls. You will come across connoisseurs of the opera and philharmonic here but will also be entranced with the liveliness of culture during city festivities. And at night you can spend a romantic time in the light of flaring fireworks.

Selected permanent events in the cultural calendar:

Gdańsk Musical Summer (July-August) A cycle of classical music concerts given by world celebrities in the breathtaking scenery of the amphitheatre on the Motława River.

International Festival of Organ Music at the Oliwa Cathedral (July-August) Old and premiere hits of organ music played by world-famous virtuosos.

International Festival of Organ, Choir, and Chamber Music (July-August) Friday concerts by organ players, choirs, and soloists, chamber ensembles and symphonic orchestras in the magnificent St Mary’s Basilica.

FETA International Festival of Open Air and Street Theatre (mid-July) Miniature and large-scale theatrical performance in the authentic scenery of the historic Gdańsk lanes www.feta.pl

‘Baltic Sail’ International Sailing Rally (late July) A colourful festivity of the sails in the historic heart of Gdańsk: regattas, tall ship parades, and a shanty festival.

Gdańsk Carillon Festival (first decade of August) An overview of the rich music literature written for the carillon, from Baroque to the contemporary times.

Shakespearean Festival (first decade of August) An international review of most interesting productions of the unmatched plays by the Master of Stratford.

St Dominic's Fair (the first three weeks of August) A dashing popular ‘fiesta a-la Gdańsk’ originating from the 13th century with a rich programme of cultural events.