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Gdańsk , meaning 'town on the Gdania River' was the city's name until the 14^th century when it came under the power of the Germanic Teutonic Knights, who renamed it Danzig. The name stayed until the end of the First World War when it officially became 'The Free City of Danzig'.

The Free City operated until Hitler reclaimed it, instigating WWII.

Returning to the name Gdańsk  after the war, most of its German population were exiled west and repopulated with Poles themselves exiled from the Soviet Union.

Ask anyone what they know about the history of Gdańsk, and the majority will mention either 'Solidarity' or Lech Walesa (whom the city's airport is named after). The Solidarity movement led by Walesa was pivotal in transforming Poland from a repressive communist state to the thriving democracy it is today.

At the entrance to the shipyard gates is Solidarity Square, with a monument dedicated to the fallen workers of 1970 pre-Solidarity strikes.

STATIONARY FANS' EMBASSY

As part of the UEFA-backed "RESPECT Fan Culture" programme, Football Supporters Europe are providing a fans' embassy in Gdansk to welcome fans of all nations who come to the city. Like the FSF's own fans' embassy service, this will operate on a "by fans, for fans" basis, and will be staffed by volunteers drawn from the local fan scene. There will also be an English-language service provision.

The fans' embassy will provide all the usual sort of information that a tourist office might offer, such as available accommodation, local transport timetables and routes, sightseeing opportunities, etc.

Crucially, though, it will also provide fan-specific information and advice such as ticket availability, viewing facilities, stadium regulations and matchday arrangements.

For more information, visit the FSE's 2012 Fanguide website.