Urząd Miasta w Pruszczu Gdańskim

About Faktoria

Historically, Pruszcz Gdański was located at the lagoon lake, which guaranteed a direct access to the sea. Thus, this area was one of the end points on the route connecting the Baltic amber coasts with the Roman Empire areas. Location at the lake affected both the development of trade contacts, as well as enriched the inhabitants’ diet with seafood products. Apart from hydrological factors, the lowland terrain and fertile soils of Żuławy Wiślane and East Pomeranian Seashore had positive influence on the development of the settlement.

Between 2nd century BC and 5th century AD the area of today’s Pruszcz and its vicinity was one of the most important settlement complexes in Pomerania.

The relicts of buildings and necropolis found underline how strongly developed in economical and social way was the population of this area, associated respectively with Wielbark and Oksywie cultures.

The surroundings of Pruszcz Gdański were a significant centre of provincial and far-reaching trade. Thanks to the numerous archeological analyses and extensive burial sites, it is known that this region was characterized by a very dense population. Many coins as well as goods and objects imported from the Roman Empire were found in Pruszcz Gdański which proves that trade relations were very important and associated with a significant amount of goods that locals had to offer to newcomers. Richly equipped graves also indicate that the society was on a high level.

The oldest descriptions of archaeological findings in Pruszcz Gdański come from the end of 19th century while the earliest archaeological studies were conducted in the beginning of 20th century. Unfortunately most of the findings from before the World War II were destroyed or lost. Intensive studies started again in the 60s and were continued during following decades which was connected with the development of the city. 

Reconstruction of the ancient amber trade village and the Amber Route from Roman period is a unique tourist product in the country. Project implementation increases cultural and tourist attractiveness of Pomerania and contributes to the promotion of cultural heritage of the Baltic Sea. Amber Route and trade with Romans is an important and distinctive output of the cultural heritage of the region and this part of Europe. Factoria consists of:  The Chief Hut – museum exposition, The Market Hall – a place of ‘meetings with live archeology’, and reconstructions of The Amber Craftsman Hut and The Blacksmith Hut, all of which were intended as places connecting new technologies with the richness of archeological monuments and the beauty of amber exhibits. The result of this project is an extremely interesting object where one can not only relax but also learn about life nearly two thousand years ago.