Cow Gate in Gdańsk, Gothic water gate in Gdańsk, Poland.
Cow Gate is a Gothic water gate in Gdansk located at the end of Ogarna Street opposite Granary Island along the Motlawa River. Its stone arched ceilings form part of the city's defensive structure at this waterfront location.
The gate was built in 1378 and underwent major renovations in 1905 when its main passage was widened and two pedestrian walkways were added. These modifications show how the structure adapted to changing city traffic needs over time.
The gate's name comes from a medieval trade route where merchants drove cattle to supply meat for the city. This naming reflects the economic importance this location held in Gdansk's commerce.
The gate is located along the riverbank and is easily accessed via Ogarna Street leading from the old town toward the water. Visitors should note that the area gets busier during warmer months when more people visit the waterfront.
After World War II, the gate transformed from a purely defensive structure into a residential space when doors and windows were added to create living quarters. This conversion shows how war damage reshaped the use of historical structures across the city.
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