The history of Elbląg

1. The history of Elbląg

2. The cathedral of St. Nicolas • The first sacral buildings made of brick were the churches of St. Nicolas and of St. Mary. The rest of buildings was mainly made of wood.

3. Trade Gate- this part of the city dates from XIV century. It is connected with the legend of Polish baker who noticed our enemies- teutonic knights on time, closed the gate quickly and saved the city from their conquest. It is planned to make a memory monument of our brave baker. Trade Gate

4. Elbląg- Old Town • Old Town – this part of Elbląg should be visited by each tourist. During the World War II it was destroyed in 65% that is why it is still being renovated and reconstructed by European archeologists. All the tenements that are being rebuilt remain of the old style. The fragments and old parts of the buildings found by the archeologists are kept in city museum. Old Town attracks tourists by pubs, restaurants, cafes..

5. EL Gallery • EL Gallery- the centre of modern art located in St. Mary Church dating from XIII century. This gallery is famous for its interesting initiatives and exibitions..

6. City Museum • The museum- it is located in the building of old Gymnasium. In this place we can get some knowledge about the history of the town, see some historic items used by old inhabitants, admire military exhibits and other archives.

7. City Library • The library- here one can find a large amount of books and other documents gathered throughout many centuries. The last written information in 1930 gives the number of 58000 books. After World War II the books were removed to the library of Toruń University but since November, 2000 our collections are gradually coming back to Elbląg.

8. Elbląg after World War II • World War I did not do any harm to our city but the end of World War II was a disaster to Elbląg. The whole Old Town with its magnificent monumental tenements and churches was completely ruined by fire. Luckily at the end of 70-ties the city began to regain its old character. After many preparations and hard work of different specialists the rebuilt buildings appeared. Although they were new, they still remained of their old style and character. That was the beginning of New Old Elbląg.

9. The coat of arms • This symbol of the city was temporarily used in XV century. The colours were inverted to symbolise urban citizens who took part in the battle in Grunwald in 1410, it is the symbol of poor inhabitants of the city.

10. The symbol of New Elbląg • It symbolises The New City dating from 1340 . Three roses put on the left side were taken from the coat of arms of the city founder.

11. Official Coat of Arms • This symbol was created and accepted by The City Council in 1962. At the bottom we can notice the fragment of fishing net but in the past it was also thought to be the part of Trade Gate bars.

12. Cathedral of St. Nicolas • This cathedral built in XIII- XIV centuries is located in Old Town which was almost totally destroyed during World War II. This old buiding in Gothic style, modernized and rebuilt many times is situated in central part of Old Town. Inside the cathedral tourists can admire few interesting monuments, such as wooden altar dating from 1515.

13. Tourist attraction • Elbląg Canal- the one in Europe set of five unique water ramps enabling ships to move on the ground on the distance of 10 kilometers ( because of the differences in the level of water).

14. Summing-Up: • Elbląg is full of affinity for its monuments.