Crane Gate (Brama Żuraw)

City Gate in Gdańsk

The Brama Żuraw (Crane Gate) is one of Gdańsk’s most iconic medieval landmarks and a symbol of the city’s rich maritime history. The silhouette of this great waterfront crane is instantly recognizable and deeply associated with Gdańsk’s identity. The first wooden crane at the foot of Szeroka Street dates back to at least 1367, though it was destroyed by fire in the 15th century. The replacement brick crane that stands today was erected in 1444, with its imposing western brick façade completed by 1483. It remains the largest water gate in the city, flanked by two fortified rounded towers that once housed cannon emplacements, with firing embrasures visible on the upper floors.

The crane’s lifting mechanism was an impressive feat of medieval engineering, powered by two pairs of massive treadwheels mounted on a single shaft. Four workers would walk inside each wheel—like human hamsters—to generate enough muscle power to lift loads of up to two tons to a height of nearly 120 feet. This mechanism allowed the crane to efficiently load and unload heavy cargo directly from ships on the Motława River, playing a vital role in Gdańsk’s thriving Hanseatic trade. The crane remained in diminishing use until 1944 but was severely damaged by fire in 1945 during World War II.

Rebuilt by 1965, the Crane Gate has since been donated to the Polish Maritime Museum and now houses permanent exhibits that vividly depict everyday life in the port from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Visitors can explore the massive wooden drive wheels and learn about the crane’s operation and importance to the city’s maritime economy. Admission is charged for the Crane, the nearby granaries, and the Maritime Cultural Centre, with free entry to the granaries on Wednesdays. The Crane Gate remains a must-visit landmark, combining history, architecture, and maritime heritage along Gdańsk’s historic waterfront.

The Crane Gate (Brama Żuraw) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gdańsk!

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