Rybna Gate in Lublin

The Fish Gate, located in the Old Town of Lublin, is a Gothic structure from the 15th century that played an important role in the history and architecture of the city. Built around 1448, the gate was not only an architectural element but also a symbol of trade, leading to the Fish Market Square, where intensive commercial transactions took place. In 1562, Jan Kretek, the owner of the neighboring tenement house, expanded the gate by adding a wooden superstructure, which indicates its significance at the time. In 1569, the gate gained two residential floors, highlighting its function not only as a passageway but also as a living space. Despite subsequent renovations of the tenement houses in the 19th century, the gate itself fell into ruin and was demolished between 1861 and 1862. After World War II, in 1954, the Fish Gate was reconstructed based on a lithograph by Adam Lerue, which is an example of the care taken to preserve the city's cultural heritage. Today, the Fish Gate is one of the important tourist attractions of Lublin, reminding visitors of the historical significance of trade in the region and the rich architecture of the medieval city. Interestingly, despite the destruction, the gate still retains its unique architectural features, which attract both residents and tourists. Nowadays, it is not only a tourist attraction but also an important element of Lublin's local identity and history.