The crane is one of the city’s most characteristic buildings. It is the oldest surviving harbour crane in Europe, which in its heyday served as both a mechanism for lifting goods and ships’ masts and as the city gate. The structure dates from the 15th century and is still impressive today for its monumentality.
Today, the Żuraw is part of the National Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the history of the port of Gdańsk and the everyday life of the sailors and merchants of the past. It offers a unique view of the Motlawa River and waterfront townhouses, which create a unique atmosphere in this part of the city.
