Description of the attraction
The Big Arsenal, or Wielka Zbrojovnya, is a striking architectural monument of Gdansk of the early 17th century. It was built in the Dutch Mannerist style in 1600-1609. The author of the project was the Flemish architect Anthony van Obergen, in collaboration with Jan Strakovsky. This style of architecture is inherent in many monuments of the city of Gdansk.
The large arsenal looks at the Coal Market with one facade, the other at Pivnaya Street, and the third at Tkatskaya Street, and from here it is unusually beautiful. Red brick walls, decorated with gold and white elements, look the most advantageous in sunny weather.
The façade elements, designed by the talented architects Wilhelm van der Meer and Abraham van der Block, are rich and intricate enough. These include the statue of Minerva, an ancient Roman goddess, the statue of David and the coat of arms of the city of Gdansk. Many of the sculptures that adorn the building's facades were made by Wilhelm Barth.
The arsenal is adjoined by a 14th-century defensive Straw Tower. The general composition of the buildings is completed by an old well in antique style, which is located in front of the arsenal. With its help, the cannonballs for the weapons were transferred upward from the dungeons of the arsenal.
The halls and premises of the Arsenal were used as a warehouse for firearms and edged weapons, cannons, various weapons devices, military equipment until the 19th century. Currently, the first floor of the Arsenal is occupied by an extensive shopping center, the second floor is given to the National Academy of Fine Arts.
