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St. Dominic's Fair in Gdańsk

For three weeks around the turn of July and August, Gdańsk's Old Town turns into one of the largest open-air fairs in Europe, ranked alongside Oktoberfest and Vienna's Christkindlmarkt. The tradition goes back to 1260, when Pope Alexander IV allowed the Dominicans to grant an indulgence to pilgrims attending Mass on St Dominic's day. The oldest documented references to the trading fair come from the 14th century — the years 1358 and 1363.

What you will see

The fair spills out from Targ Drzewny square into ulica Długa, Mariacka, Świętego Ducha and Wały Jagiellońskie. Amber jewellery dominates the stalls — Gdańsk is regarded as the world capital of amber — alongside Kashubian pottery, crafts, costumes and old delicacies such as Toruń gingerbread. Since the Middle Ages, trade has been accompanied by a popular festival, and today also by concerts and open-air theatre.

Did you know

Historically the fair opened on 4 August, St Dominic's day, precisely at noon. As early as the Middle Ages, merchants from all over Europe sailed to Gdańsk's port for the August fair, and some street names — such as Targ Rybny (Fish Market) or Targ Węglowy (Coal Market) — still derive from the goods once traded there.

Practical tips

Entry is free and the stalls are open from dawn to dusk. Come by public transport and leave your car outside the strict centre — the Old Town gets very crowded during the fair.