Galerie

 

The Langemarkt is closed in on the river side by the ,,Griine Tor”. It is in Flemish-Dutch renaissance and was erected in 1563. The majestic building with its rich gables is used as a prehistoric and natural history museum. It was formerly painted green, hence it became known, and is still generally known, as the ,,Grüne Tor”. The four arches lead over the ,,Grüne Brücke” to the ,,Speiclierinsel”, Granary Island. An excellent view down the river Mottlau to the Krantor (Crane Gate) is obtained from the bridge. The bulwark on the left side is known as the ,,Lange Brücke’. From this Quay, facilities are given to join the passenger steamers to the various sea bathing resorts. Through the gates opening on to the Lange Brücke characteristic views are obtained into the Brotbänkcngasse, Frauengassc, Heilige Geistgasse etc.

The houses are narrow, and squarely face the streets. Throughout these streets, gable after gable crown the residences, frequently surmounted with figures, animals or birds. Before the houses are a kind of terrace known as ,,Beischläge”. The fronts of these Beischläge are artistically decorated with sculptures, reliefs of biblical or classical subjects, or with wrought iron screens. At the entrance on either side of the steps huge stone balls are mounted and the gargoyles arc decorated with figures of dragons, men or dolphins. The Beischläge are shaded by trees. A part of the family life was enacted on them and probably also some trade activities.

It would be almost impossible to find such streets elsewhere, so richly decorated and so homely.

in the Brothänkengasse, near the gate, rises the sharply architecturally outlined English House, built in 1570, its facade richly ornamented in plastic designs. Adjoining the ,,Frauentor”, Gate of our Lady, is a fine building in renaissance, erected in l59, used as an obscrvatory which belongs to the Natural Science Union,founded in 1743.

 

Danzig Report Vol. 1 - Nr. 48 - July - August - September - 1985, Page 25.