Elbląg is a historic city located in northern Poland. It is situated in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, near the Vistula Lagoon and the Baltic Sea coast. It has a rich history dating back to medieval times. The city’s layout was influenced by the medieval Hanseatic League trade network.

One of the most remarkable engineering feats in the city is the Elbląg Canal, which connects the Vistula Lagoon with the Masurian lakes. This unique canal system includes a series of ramps and locks that allow boats to be transported overland between different water levels.

During World War II, Elbląg, like many other cities in Poland, suffered significant destruction and damage as a result of the conflict. The city was occupied by Nazi Germany after the invasion of Poland in 1939 and remained under German control until it was liberated by the Soviet Red Army in 1945. As the war reached its final stages, Elbląg became a battleground between the retreating German forces and the advancing Soviet Red Army. In anticipation of the Soviet advance, the retreating German forces engaged in a scorched-earth policy, destroying buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure to impede the Soviet advance. Many historic buildings, including those in the Old Town, suffered severe damage or were completely destroyed during the war. The city’s architectural and cultural heritage suffered significant losses. After the war, Elbląg, like many Polish cities, faced the daunting task of reconstruction. Efforts were made to rebuild and restore the city’s infrastructure and historical buildings, including the Old Town. However, due to the extent of the damage, some structures had to be rebuilt or restored in a modified form. Local authorities and preservation organizations have been working to maintain the city’s historical character while adapting to modern needs and requirements. Walking around this city, you get the impression that you’re in a typical Hanseatic town. Just that the buildings in the old town, though stylised, exude modernity.

THE NEW OLD CITY

THE NEW OLD CATHEDRAL