Westerplatte Monument, War memorial in Gdańsk, Poland.
Description
The Westerplatte Monument is a memorial on a peninsula in Gdańsk that commemorates the first battle of World War II. The granite structure rises 25 meters (82 feet) above an artificial mound and displays reliefs showing naval combat and coastal defense scenes.
History
In September 1939, a small Polish garrison on the peninsula held out for seven days against German attacks before surrendering. The monument was built later to remember this early fight, often seen as the opening of World War II.
Culture
The name refers to a sandbank that grew into a peninsula over centuries and later became a symbol of Polish resistance. Polish visitors often come on September 1st, when official ceremonies mark the beginning of World War II.
Practical
From central Gdańsk, buses 106 and 138 run directly to the stop near the site. Guided tours operate daily from March to October, though access may be limited during the rest of the year.
Did you know?
At the base of the structure, seven eternal flames burn to represent the duration of the fighting in September 1939. Each flame stands for one day the defenders held out against the attack.
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