The Town Hall and its beautiful slender tower is another recognisable silhouette on the skyline of Gdansk.

Originally begun in the mid-14th century, on the site of an earlier building, the present Town Hall was remodelled after a fire in 1556. Like much of the old town the Town Hall suffered a great amount of damage during the Second World War and was subsequently rebuilt. Further additions have included a 37 bell carillon which was played for the first time on New Years Eve 2000. The sound of the carillon bells, played through the day on the hour, soon becomes a familiar part of the geography of Gdansk and a pleasant accompaniment to wandering around the old town streets.

Inside the Town Hall the Red Room is a highlight, used as a main council chamber during the summer months it is so highly decorated that there is almost too much detail to take in. An ornately carved fireplace stands against the rich red walls which are themselves ornamented by paintings. The ceiling, too, is covered with further pictures, and carved decoration, including, the central oval painting entitled "The Glorification of the Unity of Gdansk" by the Dutch artist Isaac van den Block. Other rooms though a little less energetic in their decoration, include some lovely furniture such as carved and inlaid wardrobes and standing chests.

The Town Hall is part of the Museum of the History of Gdansk and other exhibits include reconstructions of wartime rooms and shops, such as a bankers office, tailors and inside a pub, which the fixtures, fittings and objects that would have been used at that time. Most effecting are a collection of photographs showing the devastation wrought on the old town during the Second World War, piles of rubble and skeletons of buildings, unrecognisable from the city outside. These are contrasted with photographs of the same scene, now reconstructed. The contrast between them, and indeed when you walk back out onto those streets, really demonstrates just how much restoration needed to be, and has been done.

It's also possible to walk up the tower. Less exhausting and easier on the legs than the climb up St. Mary’s Tower the views over the city are just as rewarding particularly those up and down ul. Dluga