Golden Gate

The Golden Gate was built in 1612-1614, replacing the 13th-century Brama Długouliczna (Long Street Gate). It sits at one end of Ulica Długa (Long Lane) and, along with Brama Wyżynna (Highland Gate) and Wieża Więzienna (Prison Tower), forms part of the ancient city fortifications. It was designed by the architect Abraham van den Blocke and constructed by Jan Strakowski, and its architectural style is Dutch Mannerism. The late Gothic building of the Brotherhood of St. George is located adjacent to the gate.

The gate features attiques on both sides, each with figures symbolizing the qualities of an ideal citizen. These were designed in 1648 by Jeremias Falck ("Polonus"), and were later reconstructed in 1878 due to weathering damage over time. On the West side, the figures represent Pax (Peace), Libertas (Freedom), Fortuna (Wealth), and Fama (Fame), while on the East (Long Lane) side they represent Concordia (Agreement), Iustitia (Justice), Pietas (Piety), and Prudentia (Prudence). The Latin inscription on the gate reads: "Concordia res publicæ parvæ crescunt – discordia magnæ concidunt," which means "In agreement small republics grow, because of disagreement great republics fall."

The gate suffered significant damage during World War II when it was bombed by the Soviets, but was later reconstructed in 1957. After the city became part of the Polish People's Republic in 1945, most German artifacts were removed, but an original German inscription on the gate was restored in the 1990s. The inscription reads, "Es müsse wohl gehen denen, die dich lieben. Es müsse Friede sein inwendig in deinen Mauern und Glück in deinen Palästen," which translates to, "They shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces." This quote is taken from Psalm.