After several years, the embarrassing fence that disfigured the heart of Gdansk disappeared. Now residents and tourists again have a comfortable passage, but this is not the end of the work on the monument, which is in the hands of SARP "Coast". You still have to wait for the renovated gate. And for two years.
The area in front of the Golden Gate, which is the beginning of Długa Street in Gdansk, has been an infamous landmark of the city for years. In 2021. The 17th-century monument, which belongs to the Association of Polish Architects "Coast" Branch, was fenced off with an ugly fence. SARP explained the questionable aesthetics of the structure by the need to ensure the safety of passersby during renovation work.
There was a risk that the soggy elements of the terrace, which was flooded when it rained, would fall on passersby, Natalia Balcerzak, president of SARP "Wybrzeże," said in an interview with AiB .
But residents and city councilors lost patience, tourists inquired about the ugly fiberboard fence. In the summer, the Pomeranian conservationist obliged the association to carry out ongoing repairs and remove the controversial fence. After years of struggle, it succeeded: the plywood fence disappeared on November 18.
Zlota Brama has finally been unveiled - the shameful fence that disfigured the heart of Gdansk has disappeared.
Natalia Gajdanowicz
Zlota Brama in Gdansk unveiled - but it's not over yet
The unveiling of the Zlota Brama coincides with the start of the Christmas Market, which attracts crowds of tourists. Although the fence is gone, those who expected the monument to be restored after years of obstruction may be disappointed. The walls of the Golden Gate are still in a terrible state, as renovation work on the monument is yet to end. The renovation of the basement and foundations will continue until the end of November, but plans go further.
We assume that by the end of the month the entire work on the passage covered by this stage will be completed," Natalia Balcerzak, president of SARP "Wybrzeże" ,announced in an interview with AiB.
She adds that unexpected difficulties arose during the work.
Balcerzak: This included archaeological research and documentation of the exposed foundations of the Dlugoulicz Gate. This required full documentation," Natalia Balcerzak explains.
The facade awaits renovation
As the SARP president explains, for this reason part of the SARP budget has already been used. Now the next and final stage, which will bring the monument back to its glory days, will be the renovation of the facade, but first the money must be raised. So we still have to wait for the "outside" effects.
June 2025.
Ewa Karendys
We already have a full inventory and design work has begun. We want to agree on the project with the conservator as soon as possible and apply for a building permit. If everything goes according to plan, work on the facade could start next year. Of course, this depends on obtaining funding," Natalia Balcerzak stresses.
Ultimately, SARP "Coast" wants to complete all work on the Golden Gate by the end of the board's term, that is, by the end of 2027.
This is our goal, although deadlines are sometimes fluid due to unforeseen circumstances we encounter. But we are doing everything to make it happen," assures Natalia Balcerzak.
The monument is being renovated in stages. The first included, among other things, the renovation of the terrace and ended in November 2023. The second - which is just coming to an end - involves strengthening and drying the Golden Gate's foundations.
In 2021. The 17th-century monument, which belongs to the Association of Polish Architects Coastal Branch, was enclosed by a spendy fence. Photo from June.
Ewa Karendys
