2 Best Sights in The Baltic Coast and Pomerania, Poland

European Solidarity Centre

Fodor's choice
Opened in 2014, the center is much more than a museum. Yes, it does have a rather brilliantly done permanent exhibition telling the story of the Solidarity movement and the Polish roads to freedom—it is a great introduction to the country's contemporary history. But the center has another mission: to commemorate and keep the message of the Solidarity movement alive and current and to nurture its ideals of democracy, open society, and dialogue. The exhibition itself provokes the visitor to think and to participate. The center organizes conferences and educational programs, and has an impressive library. It also provides homes to several NGOs that are working toward the common good, freedom, and human rights. The building's interior is a beautiful space, an exciting piece of modern architecture that is strongly reminiscent of the industrial past. From spring through autumn, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the post-Shipyards area and Gdańsk Old Town from the observation deck on the roof. Sometimes, especially on important anniversaries, you may have a chance to meet the former Shipyard workers—participants in the democratic opposition movement—who will act as your guides through the exhibition and tell you their story (and Poland's recent history) in their own words.
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Factory Fodor's Choice
Plac Solidarności 1, Gdansk, Pomerania, 80-863, Poland
58-772–40–00
ecs.gda.pl
Sights Details
Rate Includes: zł 20, May–Sept., daily 10–7; Oct.–Apr., daily 10–5

Stocznia Gdańska and Pomnik Poległych Stoczniowców

Stare Miasto Fodor's choice

Three huge and somber crosses perpetually draped with flowers stand outside the gates of the former Lenin Shipyards, which gave birth to the Solidarity movement. The crosses outside the entrance to the shipyards are the Pomnik Poległych Stoczniowców (Monument to Fallen Shipyard Workers), where striking workers were killed by the military police and soldiers in December 1970. On the monument, you will find fragments of Psalm 29 and a poem by Czesław Miłosz: "You who wronged a simple man." There are also plaques that commemorate the struggle, and a quotation by Pope John Paul II inspired by his visit to the monument in 1987: "The Grace of God could not have created anything better; in this place, silence is a scream." The monument stands close to the Shipyard's historic Gate No. 2 and the BPH room, where the Gdańsk Agreements were signed, starting the avalanche of political and economic transition in Poland. Somewhat ironically, it was the same transition—and a series of controversial decisions—that led to the shipyard's bankruptcy and downsizing. Now a private company, the shipyard is a fraction of what it used to be; however, there are some good ideas for revitalizing the land and the buildings. Part of the postshipyard area, referred to as "the Young City," is designated for housing, services, shopping, and entertainment functions. Already standing is the impressive European Solidarity Centre, telling the story of the Solidarity movement and Polish transformation.