Description of the attraction
One of the branches of the Archaeological Museum is located in the St. Mary's Gate, which closes the most popular tourist street in Gluvne Miasto - Mariacka. The late Gothic structure, which once served as a water pass to the city, as well as performing strategic and security functions, was destroyed during the battles for Gdansk in the first half of the 20th century. The restoration of the building began only in 1958. The reconstruction process lasted for several years. The old gate was combined into one with the neighboring building, which housed the natural history society, which was proud that Alexander von Humboldt himself was once a member of it. In honor of this scientist, a memorial plaque was placed on the St. Mary's Gate in 1998.
St. Mary's Gate was built before 1484, when it was first mentioned in the annals. To strengthen the structure, two towers were erected above them, equipped with loopholes. Like the neighboring Bread Gate, St. Mary's Brama was created in the Gothic style with pronounced Flemish elements. In the 16th century, St. Mary's Gate was converted into ordinary housing.
A wide passage was created in the center of the gate, which is now a pedestrian, but was previously used for carts, carriages, and later for cars. Stucco coats of arms are located above it. From the side of the river, you can see two symbols: the coats of arms of Poland and the Kingdom of Prussia. If you stand in front of the gate on St. Mary's Street, then you should admire the emblem of the city of Gdansk, which is supported by heraldic lions standing on their hind legs. Interestingly, this is the oldest surviving such image in the entire city.
