Gdańsk – Medieval Crane (Stary żuraw portow

Stary Żuraw, sometimes also called Brama Żuraw, is an iconic Gdańsk landmark and one of the main symbols of the city. The Czech translation „Old Crane“ or „Gate with a Crane“ will sufficiently explain what kind of monument it is.
Gdańsk has always benefited from its location on the Baltic Sea and has been the main port for the entire region. On the embankment of the Moltawa River, near its mouth into the bay, you can admire a historic crane used for loading and unloading sea and river ships.

The Žuraw (Czech for „Crane“) is the oldest preserved port crane in Europe and one of the most important symbols of Gdańsk. Its history dates back to the 14th century, when it was built between 1367 and 1444. The over 11-meter-high historic crane refers to the era of Gdańsk as a highly successful trading city. The first preserved collection of a cargo crane dates from 1367, however, it was demonstrably created in its current form only in 1442–1444. A massive stone gate was subsequently built on both sides of the crane in the typical Flemish Gothic style. The crane thus served both as an industrial facility and as a defensive fortress

The first mention of a wooden crane dates back to 1367. This brick structure, which combined the functions of a port crane, city gate and defensive wall, was built in 1444. It was a structure consisting of two massive towers (the walls on the ground floor are up to 4 m thick), between which a wooden crane structure was built, overhanging the embankment and supported by two consoles ensuring the passage of the gate.

The Crane experienced its greatest prosperity in the 16th and 17th centuries, when Gdańsk was one of the most important European ports. In the 18th century, fewer and fewer goods were transported there, and from the 19th century, its lower floors were occupied by small shops and workshops, while the upper floors were used by the poor. During World War II, the Crane shared the fate of almost all the buildings in the Capital, being 80% destroyed and burned down. After the war, it underwent careful reconstruction and in 1962 became the first seat of the Maritime Museum – today the National Maritime Museum.

Its construction is astonishing – it is a massive wooden structure with two pairs of huge wheels powered by human power. These machines, often powered by dozens of workers, allowed to lift loads weighing up to 2,000 kilograms. This was an incredible technical solution in the Middle Ages, which greatly facilitated trade and contributed to the prosperity of Gdańsk.

Thanks to Žuraw, the city became one of the most important trading centers in the Baltic Sea region, where goods were imported and exported from all over Europe.
In addition to its role in trade, the Žuraw also had a defensive function. Its massive walls and towers served as part of the city's fortifi­cations, protecting the port from enemy attacks. At night, the gate was closed and a rope with a pulley was raised, preventing unauthorized ships from entering.

The Žuraw underwent several reconstructions and repairs, especially after fires in the 17th century and devastation during World War II. After the war, it was carefully reconstructed into its present form, which faithfully reflects its original appearance.

Today, Żuraw is one of the most photographed and visited places in Gdańsk. It is located in the heart of the old town, right on the Motława River embankment.

A visit to Żuraw is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to gain insight into the rich history of Gdańsk and understand the important role this city played in the history of European trade. It is a place where the past meets the present and where you can feel the pulse of ancient times.