Oruński Park

Emilia Hoene’s Oruński Park, also known as Hoenepark, is the third-largest municipal park in Gdańsk. It is situated in the valley of the Oruński Stream, on the border between the districts of Orunia-Św. Wojciech-Lipce and Orunia Górna-Gdańsk Południe. Since the valley was placed under protection in 1999, the park has become part of the "Dolina Potoku Oruńskiego" landscape and nature complex. It spans 19 hectares, featuring ravines, cascades, and two ponds. The hills surrounding the park, such as Góra Łez (Hill of Tears), Góra Gliniana (Clay Hill), and Góra Pięciu Braci (Hill of the Five Brothers), are shrouded in local legends and are ecologically diverse, with rich flora including rare plant species and natural monuments. The park boasts a rich history dating back to the 16th century, when a hunting manor stood on the grounds. Over time, it passed into the hands of Gdańsk’s elites. At the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, it took on the characteristics of a Renaissance garden, and in the 18th century, it transformed into a more naturalistic landscape with viewpoints and a botanical garden. After changing owners multiple times in the 19th century, including a romantic restoration by Fryderyk Hoene, the park regained its splendor at the beginning of the 20th century, becoming a popular destination for the residents of Gdańsk. After World War II, revitalization efforts began in the 1970s, and in the 21st century, the park was given new life through modernization and infrastructure development, including the "Orana" amphitheater. The park is also home to the National Center for the Culture of the Tatars of the Republic of Poland, which celebrates over 600 years of Tatar history in Poland. Among its attractions stands the Monument of the Polish Tatar, unveiled in 2010 by President Bronisław Komorowski. In recent years, Oruński Park has been the site of numerous community projects, including the construction of a playground and a music stage, establishing it as a cultural hub of Gdańsk. It hosts numerous events and concerts that attract both residents and tourists.