Galerie

 

Near the Town Hall in the Langemarkt is the Artus—hof built in 1330, the facade being rebuilt with alterations by Abraham van dem Blocke in 1617. The three huge pointed windows show its Gothic foundation. A richly ornamented doorway breaks through the square-stoned facade. Almost the whole lower part of the surrounding wall of the interior is covered with richly carved or inlaid panelling, the upper parts with pictures inter spersed with plastic figures. symbols of the ,,Banken” or corporations, ancient armour, in the corner is a beautiful stove with fayence tiles reaching to the groined roof from which also hang models oi merchant- and warships.— the whole worthily ornamenting this noble hail. Formerly it served the purpose of a club for the reception of citizens who, through business or other causes, were united in the Corporations. The members of these guilds sat together in the Artushof and were known as ,,l3anken”. The Artushof is still used for festivities and receptions. The illumination leaves an unforgettable impression of the interior. Since 1743 the Artushof has been used as the Stock Exchange.

In front of the Artushof is the Neptune Fountain cast in Augsburg in 1633.

Adjoining the Artushof is the ,,Danziger Diele”, full of art treasures and antiquities especially connected with the trade unions or corporations of Danzig, an a magnificent black oak spiral staircase.

Beneath the Artushof Danzig’s no less famous ,,Rats weinkeller” is established.

Three houses further, on the same side, is the conspicuous ,,Steffens House”, in italian renaissance, built in 1617. The facade is covered with classical subjects, sculptured and gilded.

 

Danzig Report Vol. 1 - Nr. 48 - July - August - September - 1985, Page 23.