Understand
Its position on the Baltic has historically made GdaÅsk one of the most important port cities in Northern Europe, and tragically also the scene of a rather disturbing past.
World War II was ignited by a dispute over the control of the city. By the end of the war the city lay almost completely in ruins. The German population was expelled and replaced by Poles as the city came under Polish rule and changed its name to GdaÅsk. However, the impact of its former German ties are still evident. Although most of the old buildings were damaged or destroyed in WWII, they have been painstakingly restored or rebuilt.
In modern history, GdaÅsk is known as the birthplace of Solidarity, the labor and democracy movement that helped to bring down the Communist government in Poland, and subsequently marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War. The movement was led by the charismatic leader, Lech WaÅÄsa, who became Poland's first post-Communist president.
Do not be fooled by the fact that GdaÅsk is famous for its shipyards, as it is a beautiful city with a charm of its own.
