Dlugie Pobrzeze (Long Embankment Street), Gdansk (must see)

The Long embankment Street of Gdansk stretches almost 1/3 mile along the Motlawa River. Until the 19th century the piers and quays on the embankment served as the port of Gdansk and the river Motlawa provided easy sheltered access to the sea. Not many of the old port facilities remain. The medieval heavy lift crane is now a museum piece.

The pedestrianized area along the west riverfront originated in the 14th century. A series of mostly wooden goods platforms were replaced in the 17th century with a unified walkway. In the rebuilding of the city after World War II the area was refinished with concrete and marble.

The buildings along the promenade were utterly destroyed in the war. The ancient crane and water gates were rebuilt following medieval styles and plans. New underwater walls were installed. A new lower level quayside extended from the Green Gate to the old Crane Gate to accommodate passenger vessels.

By the 1980s the Hanseatic Mannerist style tenements along the promenade were recreated according to views of 1900. The rebuilt homes house cafes, restaurants and shops. The Crane building is attached to the new Maritime Cultural Center.