Mariacka Street, Gdansk (must see)

Mariacka Street takes its name from Saint Mary's Church. The cobblestoned street is short and narrow, lined with old burgher houses with mini-terraces, gargoyles and fantastic beasts. It lies between the church and Saint Mary's gate by the river Moltawa. The gargoyles guard against evil and spit rainwater away from the walls.

The medieval spirit is alive on Mariacka Street. The original wooden church at the end of the street was founded by Swietopelk II, Duke of Pomerania in the 13th century. The original name of the street says in Latin: "Our Lady's Street."

Saint Mary's Gate, the 15th century water gate, is at the opposite end of the street. The gate bears the coats of arms Gdansk and Prussia and Poland. Mariacka Street was once the home of workshops and stalls. The burgher houses are embellished with scenes from the Bible, e.g., The Dream of Jacob, the Annunciation, and the Good Samaritan.

Gdansk is the home of Baltic amber and Mariacka Street is the go-to street in Gdansk for amber. The most well-known and respected dealers in amber will be found here. Looking for the best coffee? You are in luck. Some of the best coffee shops and cafes are here as well. Let's not overlook Wine Bar Literacka, it has over 100 wines and fine food.

Next to Saint Mary's Gate is the Archeological Museum with its viewing tower. During Saint Dominic's Fair for three weeks in August, the street is crowded with tourists, bands, cartoonists and vendors. Many times however, Mariacka Street appears empty, pensive and serene.