Golden Gate, Gdańsk

The Golden Gate marks the western entrance to Long Lane, a Renaissance and Mannerist portal built in the early 17th century in place of an older medieval gate. Its two tiers of arches are crowned by allegorical stone figures representing civic virtues such as peace, freedom and prosperity, ideals the merchant city held dear. Latin inscriptions along the frieze echo these themes. Adjoining it is the ornate former seat of the fencing guild. Rebuilt after the war, the gate frames the grand approach to the town hall and the wealthy heart of Gdańsk.