Gdańsk. A Space of Freedom

Located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, over 1000-year-old Gdańsk is a modern cultural and economic centre as well as a centre of dialogue on the freedom of humankind, whose most prominent symbol is the figure of Lech Wałęsa, the legendary leader of Solidarity and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

The rich architecture of the historical city centre was determined by its coastal location and the mercantile traditions of its people. The centre of Gdańsk, criss-crossed by canals, is reminiscent of Amsterdam and Hamburg. The grandest street in Gdańsk is the Royal Route, surrounded by rows of stately townhouses. The Route's highlight comes in the Fountain of Neptune, which symbolises the city's union with the sea. The Royal Route ends with the Green Gate, which houses institutions such as Lech Wałęsa's office. Behind the Gate unfolds the view of the River Motława and the Long Riverfront promenade, which runs alongside it, with the 15th century Crane overlooking the scenery. Each perpendicular river gate leads to a picturesque Gdańsk street, including Mariacka Street, which leads to St Mary's Church, the largest brick church in Europe. Many historical monuments are listed on the European Brick Gothic Route.

Gdańsk, the cradle of Solidarity and the focal point of events which led to the change in the course of European history, is today a dynamically developing cultural and entertainment capital, easily competing with the cities of Western Europe. Its atmospheric cafes and clubs in the bustling city centre contrast with the tranquillity of the Tri-City Landscape Park and the charm of the seaside beaches. As a cultural centre, the Gdańsk Greater Urban Area is vying for the title of 2016 European Capital of Culture. The city's most important events include the Space of Freedom mega-concerts, which had such headliners as Jean Michel Jarre, David Gilmour and Rod Stewart, the Solidarity of Arts Festival, the Mozartiana International Mozart Festival, the International Carillon Festival, the Jazz Jantar Festival, the Feta International Street & Open-Air Theatres Festival and the International Shakespeare Festival. Designed by Italian architect Renato Rizzi, the unique Shakespearean Theatre will be built in Gdańsk in 2012.

Gdańsk is also known as the World Capital of Amber. For centuries, the city was the most important centre of amber handicraft in Europe. This tradition remains strong today. The artistry of Gdańsk amber jewellers is unparalleled. Every year, Gdańsk holds the AMBERIF International Fair of Amber, Jewellery and Gemstones, which is the largest such show in the world, while the Amber Museum has a wealth of amber artefacts and amber inclusions.

All these assets gave Gdańsk a place among The Times' Top 10 most attractive cities of 2009, next to Buenos Aires, Washington DC and Vienna! There will certainly also be a lot of talk about Gdańsk in 2012, as it is one of the host cities of the UEFA Euro 2012™ European Football Championship. A dedicated stadium, with architecture inspired by an amber nugget, will be built in Gdańsk especially for the event.