Gdańsk Shipyard Gate No. 2

Overview

Gate No. 2 of the Gdańsk Shipyard (Brama nr 2 Stoczni Gdańskiej) is one of the most symbolically charged sites in modern European history. It was here, in August 1980, that striking workers gathered and Lech Wałęsa climbed the fence to join them, launching the Solidarity movement that ultimately contributed to the fall of the Iron Curtain.

Highlights

• Memorial Plaques: Tablets listing the 21 demands presented by the strikers to the communist government.
• Historic Photographs: Large-scale photographs mounted on the gate depict scenes from the 1980 strikes.
• Proximity to ECS: Steps away from the European Solidarity Centre for full context.

History

The gate became the epicenter of the August 1980 strikes when 17,000 workers at the Lenin Shipyard demanded the right to form independent trade unions. The agreements signed here became a template for peaceful revolution.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Visit the gate first, then walk to the European Solidarity Centre for the full story.
• Tip 2: The area is freely accessible at any time of day.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes.