Name of the District
Oliwa is one of the most beautiful and oldest districts of Gdańsk. The name of the district was given by
the Cistercians who settled in this area. The olive tree was an important religious symbol for them, as it
was associated with Jesus Christ.
The Cistercian Abbey, featuring the longest church in Poland, surrounded by a park with many rare tree
species, is the greatest attraction of Oliwa.
Park Oliwski
Adam Mickiewicz Park is undoubtedly the largest and most beautiful park in the Tri-City area. It was
designed by the gardener Hentschal, and its execution was carried out by Kazimierz Dębiński (who also
designed gardens for Izabela Czartoryska-Lubomirska in Wilanów).
One of the most remarkable features is the French-style section, with a grass carpet featuring patterns
made of low-cut boxwood, adorned at the corners with trimmed yew cones. The most surprising element
is the row of trimmed lime trees, about 15 meters high, forming a 112-meter-long alley that extends
eastward into two branches running along both sides of a long canal. An illusion was created, making it
appear as if the canal, which is actually 2 km away, begins just beyond the garden. The Cistercian monks
called this alley the "Road to Freedom."
The palm house, built in the 13th century, is home to exotic plants, including an almost 180-year-old date
palm—the oldest in Poland. It also houses an impressive collection of orchids and succulents.
On the slopes of an artificial hill nearby, 18th-century whispering caves have been preserved. These are
perfectly positioned acoustic shells. When two people stand in separate caves with their backs to each
other, they can communicate by whispering.
Closer to the cathedral and the Abbots’ Palace, a larger section of the park, designed in the English style,
was established at the end of the 18th century. This area, created by the Berlin gardener Salzman,
resembles a wild-growing garden. Only a few original elements remain, including two wooded hills and a
large L-shaped pond, through which the Oliwski Stream flows. At its outlet, a cascading waterfall, known
as the "Tri-City Niagara," was created, tumbling over rocks with a gentle roar. This spot is particularly
popular among children, who enjoy jumping from stone to stone or cooling their feet in the stream on hot
summer days.
Each year, many interesting events take place in the park. The most popular ones include "Parkowanie"
and the Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Music Festival—Mozartiana. In recent years, Oliwski Park has also
become a favorite winter attraction due to its beautiful light illuminations.
