Description of the attraction
The long embankment, which runs along the Motława River, consists of bourgeois houses, restored with amazing precision after the battles of 1945. The mansions are punctuated by defensive water gates that line the streets leading to the river. The purpose of these gates in the old days was very simple: they performed a protective function. If necessary, on these gates, which were powerful arched ceilings, it was possible to hold the defense for a long time. One of the oldest gates in Gdańsk is located at the end of Ogarna Street, opposite the Granary Island. They are called Cows. If you walk along the embankment from the south, then this will be the first gate that you will meet on your way.
The gate got its name from the road along which in the XIV-XV centuries cattle destined for slaughter were driven to the Ambarov island over the bridge of the same name.
The cow gate was built in 1378 in the Gothic style. By the 20th century, however, like all other water gates, they lost their strategic importance, so they were converted into a residential building. In 1905, their appearance was completely changed: the main passage was significantly widened, and two side passages were built for pedestrians. From the side of Motława, the gate was built on, expanding the living area. Naturally, doors and windows were installed in this building.
After the Second World War, only a skeleton remained from the gate. The restorers have tried to recreate their original appearance as accurately as possible. For this, old drawings and photographs of the early 20th century were raised from the archives.
Now we no longer see a residential building, but an ordinary Gothic gate.
