Part of the National Maritime Museum , the oh-so conspicuous Gdańsk Crane (Żuraw) rises above the waterfront. Built in the mid-15th century as the biggest double-towered gate on the shoreline, it also served to shift heavy cargo directly onto vessels docked at the quay. Incredibly, this people-powered device could hoist loads of up to 2000kg, making it the largest crane in medieval Europe. Early-17th-century wheels were added higher up for installing masts.
Blasted to pieces in 1945, everything was carefully put back together in the postwar decades, making it the only fully restored relic of its kind in the world. Inside you’ll find exhibits relating to the history of shipping, plus a collection of shells, coral and other marine life; English notes are available on laminated sheets. You can also climb up into the section overlooking the water and have a closer look at the hoisting gear (but sadly not a go on the wheel).
