Crane

The monumental harbor crane Żuraw is one of the most characteristic constructions in Gdańsk. Each year, the famous sea gate, a part of the National Sea Museum, attracts crowds of tourists by Motława who want to see the biggest and oldest harbor crane in Europe.

Żuraw was build in the 15th century. It consists of the two massive towers made of brick and the wooden lifting mechanism put between them. The whole was designed in Flemish Gothic style. Źuraw was used for military purposes for about 200 years. Later, it lost its original function and served as craftsman workshops.

The unused for a long time mechanism of the crane still exists and can be viewed by visitors. Seeing the construction it's hard to believe that such devices were already made in the Middle Ages. They were not only capable of lifting several tons of weight but also can raise it very high what helped with unloading goods from passing ships on Mołtawa.