Stągwie Mleczne, Gdańsk, Medieval city gate in Gdańsk, Poland
Stągwie Mleczne is a medieval gate in Gdańsk with two brick towers rising about 27 meters high and featuring distinctive cylindrical forms. The structure spans around 400 square meters near the Motława River and marks the entrance to the historic granary island where merchants once stored goods.
Construction of this gate began in 1517 as part of Gdańsk's defensive walls meant to protect the growing port city. The structure survived wars and sieges, including substantial damage during the 1813 siege, and was later rebuilt.
The name refers to the dairy trade that once thrived here, showing how local commerce shaped the city's identity. The twin cylinders reflect the practical design choices that were common in port cities across Northern Europe.
The gate sits on Wyspa Spichrzów island and works well as a starting point for exploring the medieval heart of the city. It is easily walkable from here to nearby streets, historic buildings, and the riverfront.
After World War II, the gate underwent careful restoration work that preserved its cylindrical tower shapes. These rounded forms set it apart from typical medieval gates elsewhere in Europe, making it instantly recognizable to visitors.
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