Gdańsk – Mariacka Street

Mariacka Street is a place that enchants every visitor with its atmosphere, history and beauty. It is an experience for all the senses and an ideal place to stroll, explore and buy unique souvenirs.

Mariacka Street is one of the oldest and most characteristic streets in Gdańsk. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, when it served as the main access road to the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as St. Mary's Church (Kościół Mariacki). This majestic Gothic church, which dominates the Gdańsk skyline, is one of the largest brick churches in the world and took almost 150 years to build.

A characteristic feature of Mariacka Street are its unique porches (przedproża), which stretch in front of most houses. These decorated stone terraces, often with wrought-iron railings and gargoyles in the form of fantastic creatures, served in the past as an extension of the living space, where residents would relax, eat and meet on warm days.

Gdańsk was destroyed at the end of World War II. After the war, Mariacka Street was carefully reconstructed, preserving the original architectural details, so the street still retains its medieval charm.

Mariacka Street is now famous primarily as „Amber Street“. Gdańsk has long been considered the world capital of amber, and it is here that you will find the largest concentration of shops and galleries offering jewelry, art objects and souvenirs made from this beautiful fossilized resin. From rough, raw pieces to precisely cut gems – everyone will find their piece of Baltic gold on Mariacka Street.

In addition to amber, the street is home to many art galleries, cafes and small boutiques that add to its bohemian atmosphere. It is often possible to encounter street artists, musicians and painters who enliven the space and give it a unique character.

At the eastern exit from Mariacka Street there is a historic water gate from the 15th century – St. Mary's Gate (Brama Mariacka). The gate with late Gothic shapes once served as part of the city fortifications. Today it houses the Archaeological Museum.

The importance of the street is also confirmed by the fact that the „Gdańsk Way of St. James“ runs through the street, which is part of the Pomeranian Way of St. James, which runs through Gdańsk and is part of the wider European network of pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela.