Ulica Długa (Long Street), Gdansk (must see)

Long Street is among the city's oldest avenues. Guarded by the Golden Gate, it extends in a gentle curve into an area of the old burgher houses. The colorful houses are known for their Gothic Rococo styled doorways, terraces and porticos.

Curiously, the house numbers run opposite on each side of the street. This is a system commonly used on the older Gdansk streets. Some of the addresses are especially notable. Number 12 is a Museum of Burgher interiors. Number 71, opposite, is a survivor of Soviet barrages in the war. It still has its 15th century mouldings.

Ferber's House (Dom Ferberow), dates from 1560. It displays fine sculptures and coats of arms. The baroque facade of number 29 is graced with the figures of Roman emperors. King Wladyslaw IV held receptions at the Lion's Castle, number 35. Number 45, the House of the Polish Kings, has niches of Greek gods. The Town Hall is at the east end.

Long Street reaches through most of the "Royal Route." The street is cobbled and pedestrianized. There are several outdoor cafes, shops, restaurants and pubs. Behind the striking Renaissance facade of the Uphagen Mansion one can catch glimpses of the old time opulence of Gdansk.

There was an extensive rebuilding program in Gdansk after the end of the World War II. A limited amount of rebuilding was scheduled for areas around Long Street. Reconstruction was informed by old architectural plans, historical records and photographs. An accurate representation was achieved.

When one thinks about Europe, something like Long Street comes to mind. A vision of perfect, ornately constructed buildings lining ancient streets. Outdoor cafes, medieval gates, fountains, monuments, shopping, tourists; all this is somehow joyful.