Żuraw in Gdańsk, Medieval port crane and gate in Gdańsk, Poland.
The Żuraw in Gdańsk is a twin-towered brick structure that stands above the Motława River and contains wooden treadwheels for lifting cargo. The building served as an essential part of the medieval port and now houses museum exhibits.
The structure was built between 1442 and 1444 after a fire destroyed an earlier wooden version in 1367. Following severe wartime damage in 1945, it was later restored and now stands as a monument.
The crane displays show how harbor workers moved goods and loaded ships as part of daily port life. The exhibits explain the crucial role the port played in Gdańsk's prosperity and importance.
The site is open Tuesday through Sunday, with guided tours available in various languages. Plan time to explore the interior mechanisms and exhibits at your own pace.
The mechanism could lift two tons about 27 meters high, operated by four workers walking inside large wooden wheels. This made it the largest medieval port crane system in Europe.
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