St. Mary's Street

Mariacka Street (St Mary's Street) in Gdańsk is the most atmospheric lane in the Main Town: cobbled, car-free and lined with stone terraces, gargoyle drainpipes and amber workshops. It runs about 185 m from St Mary's Basilica down to St Mary's Gate on the Motława River. Short as it is, it is one of the top things to do in Gdańsk – a place to slow down, study the carvings, browse amber jewelry and soak up the feel of the old Hanseatic port.

A little history

Medieval records call it "platea dominae Mariae", the street of Our Lady. It was once shorter because the ground was marshy, and grew after St Mary's Gate was built – the gate is mentioned as early as 1484. Archaeologists have found traces of many medieval shoemakers' workshops here.

Like the rest of the Main Town, the street was badly damaged in 1945. When it was rebuilt, salvaged stonework from nearby ruins was reused, which helps explain its unusually authentic look.

What to look for

• The "przedproża" (say "pshed-PRO-zha") – raised terraces in front of the houses, framed by stone balustrades and carved slabs. They were once typical of Gdańsk; Mariacka has the most complete row.
• Gargoyles – stone rain spouts shaped like animal heads, for example at No. 6 (nicknamed "Pomuchle") and No. 43. Visit after rain to see them at work.
• St Mary's Gate at the river end, and the huge brick bulk of St Mary's Basilica closing the view at the other.
• The Naturalists' House next to the gate, home of the Archaeological Museum. It has been under renovation in recent years, so check whether exhibitions are open before you go.
• Amber galleries and workshops – Mariacka is Gdańsk's amber street, from souvenirs to designer pieces. Baltic amber has been traded through Gdańsk for centuries.

When to go and how long

Allow 20–30 minutes for a stroll, longer if you shop or stop for coffee. In summer the street is packed during the day and the narrow walkway between the terraces gets congested. Early morning – before shops open – or the evening, when the lamps come on, is best for photos. The street is open around the clock and free. Cobbles make wheelchairs and strollers bumpy, though the street is level.

Buying amber? Ask for a certificate of authenticity and compare a few shops – quality and prices vary widely. Prices are in Polish złoty (PLN), and cards are widely accepted in the old town.

Practical information (as of October 2026)

• Location: between St Mary's Basilica and St Mary's Gate, Main Town, Gdańsk
• Admission: free, 24/7; shops and cafés keep their own hours.
• Getting there: Gdańsk is on the Baltic coast, about three hours from Warsaw by express train; the airport is roughly 15 km from the center. From Gdańsk Główny station it is a 15–20-minute walk. The street is closed to cars and the center is a paid parking zone.

Nearby

• St Mary's Basilica, the largest brick church in Gdańsk, with a viewing tower.
• The Long Embankment and the Crane on the Motława.
• Green Gate, Long Market and Artus Court.