Gdansk (Danzig) is an amazingly beautiful city in spite of (or with thanks to?) it's turbulent history. There are not many places in the world where the history of our time seems more immediate. After all it was here in September 1939 that the hell of the Second World War started, the war that was to realise Hitler's mad plans to make Europe and half the world into the dominion of his 'thousand-year' Third Reich.

It was also here that the Solidarity movement was born, the movement that would bring about the victory of democracy in this part of Europe, which had been subjected as a result of the Yalta Agreement, to the domination of another sick totalitarian ideology.

The city center was completely destroyed during WWII. In the Dlugi Targ (Long Market) with the beautiful coloured houses, only two were still standing after the bombardments! After the war all these houses were rebuilt stone by stone.

German Danzig was a major port during the late middle ages and renaissance periods. The restored city and i particular the cathedral bear testament to the city's undoubted former wealth. The city itself is a colourful haven of magnificent architecture and boast a vibrant evening and nightlife.

Walking along the medieval docks and city is an experience in itself, however any walk should lead you to the exceptional Solidarity (Solidarnosc) museum at the former Lenin shipyards. The museum has a fantastic interactive exhibit and is an important reminder of how the oppressed will never be defeated.

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