On the traces of Solidarity
We offer a visit to the most important places in the recent history of the Europe and of the world. A voyage to the cradle of Solidarity and going after in its footsteps. The August strikes of the year 1980, a ten-million social movement, an the creation of NSZZ "Solidarność" have began the process of overthrowing of communism in Poland, Europe and in the world.
Places worth seeing
Gdańsk Shipyard - is the cradle of Solidarity. The sit-down that began on the day of 14th August 1980 in the Lenin's Gdańsk Shipyard, in the defence of the fired leader of the worker's movement, gantry operator Anna Walentynowicz, has within three days transformed in a nationwide protest of the society against the communist rule. The Gdańsk Shipyard was visited by the delegates of consecutive striking factories, creating an Interfactory Strike Committee. The 21 strike postulates, written down on a wooden tablet, hanging over the 2nd gate to the Shipyard, the fulfilling of which by the communist authorities was the condition of the strike's end (one of the most important postulates was the demand for free trade unions), contained significant demands of the society for the democratisation of Poland and improvement of the living conditions. The postulates were placed in the June of 2004 on the UNESCO World Culture Heritage list. The worker's protest, supported by the intellectuals and the general society has transformed into the all-Polish social movement Solidarity. The worker's strikes spread all over Poland.
Shipyard Worker's Monument - a monument consisting of three crosses with anchors, unveiled on the 16th December 1980 in the 10th anniversary of the events of December 1970 in Gdańsk on Solidarity Square. The monument was created due to the realisation of the postulates of the striking workers of the Gdańsk Shipyard in the August of 1980. It commemorates the events of the December of 1970 and is placed near to the place where the first three shipyard workers leaving the Gdańsk Shipyard were killed.
"Road to Freedom" Exhibition in Gdańsk - created on the occasion of 20th anniversary of the signing of the Gdańsk Shipyard accords on 31st August 1980. On the basis of those accords the first trade unions independent of the communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe were created, free trade unions registered officially under the name of NSZZ "Solidarność". The exhibition shows the most recent of Polish history in the years 1956-1989, with a special emphasis on the history of Solidarity. It is crowned by a short presentation abut the European countries that have regained their freedom after Poland. The exhibition is organised by the City of Gdańsk and the Foundation Centre of Solidarity.
Gdynia - the city with the monument of the victims of December 1970, the name given to the worker's rebellion in Poland in the days of 14-22nd of December 1970 (strikes, rallies, demonstrations), mainly in Gdynia, Gdańsk and Szczecin. The immediate cause of the strikes and demonstration was the drastic increase in prices introduced on the day of 12th December. The balance of the December reprisals was tragic: over a thousand wounded, at least 42 killed, over 3 thousand arrested. To fight the demonstrations 5 thousand of policemen and 27 thousand soldiers were used.
Wujek Mine - a hard coal mine in Katowice, the place of the massacre of the miners during the sit-down strike on the day of 16th December 1981, protesting against the declaration of the martial law. During the brutal pacification by police and army forces as a results of shots fired by a ZOMO squad 9 miners were killed and 21 were wounded.
Day by day itinerary
1st day Gdańsk
Arrival to Gdańsk, a visit to the December 1970 monument, a visit in the Shipyard.
2nd day Gdańsk
A visit to the Road to Freedom Exhibition.
3rd day Gdynia
An excursion on the traces of Solidarity to Gdynia, under the December 1970 monument. A passage through historic streets. Screenings of movies connected with Solidarity.
4th day Katowice
A trip to Katowice, a visit to the gate and the monument of the Wujek Mine. In the evening a trip to Cracow.
5 th Cracow
Sightseeing in Cracow.
6 th day Cracow
A day to be used as our guests see fit. Departure.
We provide the following services:
Room and board, programme, instructors, guides, equipment, insurance, transport.
Room and board options:
Room: pension **, pension ***, hotel **-***.
Board: BB, HB, FB
Price: from 250 EUR
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