Gdańsk is a coastal city in northern Poland, located on the Baltic Sea coast. It is the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship and the largest city in the region. Gdańsk has a long and rich history, having been an important port city since the Middle Ages. It was a major center of trade and commerce in the Hanseatic League and a focal point of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Gdańsk has played a key role in the history of Poland and Europe, and it is a city with a deep cultural heritage.
Gdańsk was first settled in the 10th century by Slavic tribes, and it was first mentioned in written records in the 11th century. In the 12th century, it became part of the Pomerelian Duchy, and in 1227 it was granted city rights by Mestwin I, Duke of Pomerelia. From the 13th century onwards, Gdańsk became an important trading port, and in 1361 it joined the Hanseatic League. This made Gdańsk one of the most important trading ports in northern Europe.
During the 15th century, Gdańsk was a major center of trade and commerce, and it was the largest port in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Gdańsk was an important center of Polish culture, and it was home to many famous writers, artists, and scientists. In the 16th century, Gdańsk became a major center of Protestantism, and it was a major center of the Reformation.
In the 17th century, Gdańsk was a major center of the Counter-Reformation. The city was occupied by the Swedes in the 1655-1660 Swedish-Polish War, and it was annexed by Prussia in 1793. Gdańsk was a part of the Prussian Empire until the end of World War I, when it was ceded to the newly-created Second Polish Republic.
In the interwar period, Gdańsk was an important center of industry and commerce, and it was an important port for Polish exports. During World War II, Gdańsk was occupied by Nazi Germany and it was heavily damaged in the war. After the war, Gdańsk was annexed by Poland and it became a major industrial center.
Today, Gdańsk is a major port and industrial city, and it is an important center of culture and tourism. The city has a rich cultural heritage, and it is home to many museums, galleries, and historic sites. Gdańsk is a vibrant and lively city, and it is a popular tourist destination.