Straganiarska Gate — Attraction in Gdansk

The Straganiarska Gate, also known as the Huckster Gate or Trader’s Gate, is one of Gdansk’s historically significant water gates. Built between 1481 and 1492, it served as a key entry point to the city from the Motława River. The gate features a distinctive Gothic style, characterized by its brick construction and crowned with two turrets. Above the entrance, there are heraldic coats of arms representing Gdansk, Royal Prussia, and Poland, symbolizing the peaceful coexistence of these communities during the gate’s peak.

Modern Context and Usage

Today, the Straganiarska Gate stands as a preserved historical monument. Post-World War II reconstruction efforts restored the gate to its 18th-century appearance, based on historical paintings. Interestingly, it was not rebuilt to its pre-war state from 1939 but rather to reflect its older historical design. The gate now houses residential units and serves as a reminder of Gdansk’s rich architectural heritage.

Cultural Impact

One notable resident of the Straganiarska Gate was Zbigniew Cybulski, a renowned Polish actor often compared to James Dean for his non-conformist style and intense performances. Cybulski lived in the gate’s residential section from 1959 to 1963, further cementing the building’s place in cultural history. A plaque commemorates his time there, and fans often leave flowers and candles in his memory.

Visitor Experience

For visitors, the Straganiarska Gate offers a picturesque glimpse into Gdansk’s past. While it no longer functions as a primary gateway, its architectural beauty and historical significance make it a noteworthy stop on any tour of Gdansk’s Old Town. Its location at the end of Straganiarska Street, near the river, provides a scenic backdrop for photography and a serene spot for reflection on the city’s...

The Straganiarska Gate, also known as Market Stall Gate (Häkertor), is the northernmost preserved water gate in Gdańsk. Built between 1481 and 1492 in the Gothic style with Flemish influences, the gate features an asymmetrically placed pointed arch and is adorned with the three coats of arms of Republic of Poland, Royal Prussia, and Gdańsk on the Motława River side. It also had a side wing adapted to the neighboring Fish Market. The gate has undergone numerous changes, including losing its southern turret in the 19th century and suffering significant damage during World War II.

Rebuilt between 1957 and 1958, the gate was restored for residential use, though it did not regain its original gable. Interestingly, the famous Polish actor Zbigniew Cybulski lived in the gate between 1959 and 1960. Today, it remains one of the key historical landmarks of Gdańsk’s medieval water gates, showcasing its rich architectural and cultural heritage.

The lovely folks at gdansk gedanopedia pl have done us all a great favour by allowing us to catch a glimpse of how this building looked in the past. And there's more! They've also given us a wonderful insight into how it changed over time - 1893,...

Market Stall Gate (Brama Straganiarska) The last preserved northward water gate of the City. Like Chlebnicka and Mariacka gates, it is built in the style of Gothic architecture with Flemish influences. However, in contrast to those gates, its body is additionally equipped with a side wing. The depth of this wing was adapted to the development of the eastern frontage and the vicinity of the Fish Market. Brama Straganiarska is also characterized by an asymmetric location of the passage. On the very route from the Motława side there are three coats of arms already known on St Mary’s Gate – the Commonwealth, Royal Prussia and Gdansk. The gate has been rebuilt many times, and the shape and number of turrets have changed. As a result of military operations, similarly to other gates, this one was also significantly damaged. It was rebuilt in the 1950s.An interesting thing about the Straganiarska gate is that in the late 1950s Zbigniew Cybulski resided in it. As instructed by experts, a bad date was given to inform about this fact in 1963 on the board on the wall; the actor lived here in the...