Big Arsenal (Wielka Zbrojownia) description and photos - Poland: Gdansk (Topic)

Large arsenal (Wielka Zbrojownia) description and photos - Poland: Gdansk. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Wielka Zbrojownia.

Photo and description

The Great Arsenal, or Wielka Zbrojovnya, is a striking architectural monument of Gdansk of the early 17th century. It was erected in the Dutch Mannerist style in 1600-1609. The author of the project was the Flemish architect Anthony van Obergen, in collaboration with Jan Strakovsky. This style of architecture is inherent in many ancient monuments of the city of Gdansk.

The large arsenal looks at the Coal Market with one facade, the other at Pivnaya Street, and the third at Tkatskaya Street, and from here it is unusually beautiful. The red brick walls, decorated with gold and white elements, look most advantageous in sunny weather.

The facade elements, designed by the talented architects Wilhelm van der Meer and Abraham van der Block, are rich and intricate enough. Among them is the statue of Minerva, the ancient Roman goddess, the statue of David and the coat of arms of the city of Gdansk. Many of the sculptures that adorn the facades of the building were made by Wilhelm Bart.

The arsenal is adjoined by the 14th-century defensive Straw Tower. The general composition of buildings is completed by an ancient well in antique style, which is located in front of the arsenal. With its help, the cannonballs for the guns were transferred from the dungeons of the arsenal.

The halls and premises of the Arsenal were used as a warehouse for firearms and edged weapons, cannons, various weapons devices, military equipment until the 19th century. Currently, the first floor of the Arsenal is occupied by an extensive shopping center, the second floor is given to the National Academy of Fine Arts.

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Topic: Big Arsenal (Wielka Zbrojownia) description and photos - Poland: Gdansk.