Long Market

Door on the Long Market, Gdansk

Długi Targ or Long Market (German: Langer Markt) in Gdańsk, Poland, is one of the most notable tourist attractions of the city. It is situated between the end of Ulica Długa (the Long Lane), and the Green Gate (Brama Zielona).

History

Established in about 13th century, initially as a merchant road leading to the oval market place. Soon after Teutonic takeover of Danzig (Gdańsk) by Teutonic Knights, known as the Gdańsk slaughter, the street become the city's main artery. Its official name in Latin Longa Platea was first written in 1331, German name Langgasse was introduced later and Polish Ulica Długa in 1552. Before the Partitions of Poland it was also called the Royal Route because it served as a road of solemn entrances into the city during the visitations by Polish monarchs. The latter name was popularized between 1457-1552. During the monarchs' visits to the city they were entertained in the tenement houses along the route and during the feasts of the Royal family the city council arrange fireworks here.

The street was inhabited by the most prominent and the most wealthy citizens of the Royal City of Danzig. It was also a place of executions of witches, heretics and criminals that were nobles or city's citizens. The others were executed on Galgenberg/Szubieniczna Góra (Gallows Mountain) or in Peinkammertor/Katownia (Torture chamber).

Features

No.	Description	Picture
1	Hewel House. In the beginning of the 17th century it was owned by a merchant Georg Hewel (Jerzy Hewel). His wealth enabled him to found 11 ships to king Władysław IV in 1635, the core of the Polish fleet.
9	Curicke House. After 1632 it was owned by Georg Curicke (Jerzy Curicki), whose son Reinhold Curicke was an author of famous Description of the City of Danzig published in 1687 in Danzig and in Amsterdam.
12	Uphagen's House. The house was erected in 1776 for a merchant Johannes Uphagen. He died childless and left his property to the city under condition that his house will be kept unchanged. The interior is a good example of the 18th century merchant furnishings of the king Stanisław Augustus' epoch.
28	Ferber House. It was built for the city mayor Constantin Ferber in 1560. The attic is decorated with coat of arms of Poland, Danzig and Royal Prussia and four sculptures. Constantin Feber was prisoned in Łowicz by king Stephen Báthory because of his support for Archduke Maximilian during the 1575 election and rebellion against the king.
35	Lion Castle. Built for the Schwartzwald family in 1569. The facade was adorned by Vroom of Haarlem. The house was named after two lion sculptures decorating the main portal. In 1636 king Władysław IV Vasa was entertained in the house during his visit to the city. Today it houses the Russian Centre of Science and Culture.
45	Schumann House. Built for Hans Conert the Younger by unknown architect in 1560. The building was known at that time as the King's House. The top of the house is decorated with the sculpture of Zeus. Schumann House's architecture bears strong resemblance to Gildehuis der Kuipers (Coopers' House) and to Huis van de Schutters (Archer's House) in Antwerp.
46	Town Hall. The original 15th-century structure was reconstructed after a fire that broke out in 1556. In 1561 a gilded statue of King Sigismund II Augustus of Poland was installed on a pinnacle of rebuilt tower.
-	Neptune's Fountain. It was constructed in 1617 to design by Abraham van den Blocke. The fountain was founded by the city councillors at Barthell Schachtmann's initiative. The Neptune's statue was cast in Augsburg by Peter Husen and Johann Rogge. In 1634 the fountain was encompassed by a fence decorated with gilded Polish Eagles, also designed by Abraham van den Blocke.
44	Artus Court. It was originally built in about 1350 and reconstructed between 1616-1618 by Abraham van den Blocke.
41	Golden House. It was built between 1609-1618 by Abraham van den Blocke. Constructed for Johann Speymann, a wealthy grain trader and mayor of the city, and his wife Judith Bahr. The attic is decorated with sculptures depicting Cleopatra, Oedipus, Achilles and Antigone by Johann Vogt of Rostock.
24	Green Gate. It was inspired by the Antwerp City Hall (architect Regnier van Amsterdam). It was built to serve as the formal residence of the Polish monarchs.