The 'Przedproża' of Gdansk
The 'przedproża' are typical elements of Gdansk's townhouses. Broad stone steps with wrought-iron railings and balustrades, and wide terraces in front of the entrance served as places for leisure, dining, and hosting guests during the summer. This is where children played under the watchful eye of their mother working at home.
The appearance of a given 'przedproże' depended on the imagination, and above all, the wealth of the host. They represented a kind of house's business card.
Apparently, the popularity of 'przedproża' in Gdansk was also related to the fact that the city was built on marshy ground, and the streets were often flooded - hence the need to place the entrance to the building higher above the road level. To drain water from the 'przedproża' themselves, gutters were used, ending with decorative spouts and gargoyles in the form of dragon, dolphin, and whale heads.
Did you know that 'przedproża' were also reportedly found in Krakow and Olkusz, and a few have survived to this day in Torun and Elblag?
This does not change the fact that those in Gdansk are the most famous and most representative. You will find the most 'przedproża' today on Mariacka Street and Długi Targ, as well as on Piwna, Chlebnicka, Świętego Ducha, Ogarna, and Targ Rybny Streets.
And where did the carved animals and creatures on Gdansk's 'przedproża' come from? Learn about the legend of the Kashubian carpenter who once decided to visit Gdansk...
Stolem and St. Mary's Basilica in Gdańsk
Stolem, or the giant, is the most popular character from the Kashubian legends. Did you know that one of the Kashubian giants once visited Gdańsk? ...
PS. Gdansk's 'przedproża' are on the route of our walk following the Gdansk legends and stories:
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Visiting Gdańsk with children - a walk with legends
Publish Date: 2023-01-19
Last Updated: 2023-02-20