Gdańsk Długi Targ, meaning “Long Market,” is the principal historic square of Gdańsk’s old town (Stare Miasto) in northern Poland. This iconic plaza represents the beating heart of Gdańsk’s cultural, commercial, and civic life for over six centuries. As the centerpiece of what was once the wealthiest Hanseatic League port, Długi Targ reflects the prosperity and cosmopolitan sophistication that made Gdańsk one of Northern Europe’s most important trading centers. The square’s Renaissance and Baroque architecture showcases the architectural ambitions of merchants and civic leaders who shaped the city’s character.
The Długi Targ square is dominated by the impressive Artus Court (Dwór Artusa), a Renaissance masterpiece built as a meeting place for wealthy merchants, and the magnificent Town Hall with its distinctive tower. The surrounding palaces feature ornate facades, decorative elements, and distinctive gabled roofs that exemplify Hanseatic architectural style. The Neptune Fountain, Gdańsk’s most recognizable monument, stands in the square as a symbol of the city’s maritime power and prosperity. Today, the square serves as a cultural venue hosting market stalls, festivals, and gatherings that maintain its centuries-old tradition as a public meeting place.
For Bay Area Polish-Americans, Gdańsk Długi Targ represents the grandeur of Poland’s maritime heritage and the sophisticated urban culture of their ancestors. Many Polish immigrants to California came from Gdańsk and coastal regions, carrying memories of this magnificent square. The square’s recent reconstruction following World War II destruction demonstrates Polish cultural resilience and commitment to heritage preservation. Understanding Długi Targ connects Bay Area residents to Poland’s golden age of Baltic commerce and the remarkable cities that inspired Polish immigration and cultural pride worldwide.