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Sopot
Sopot is twinned with Southend on Sea, Essex.
It is the smallest town of the Tri-City agglomeration. Primarily
it was an old Slavic settlement dating back to the times of the early
Middle Ages. It occupied an area overgrown with old beeches and oaks
surrounded by wood-and-earth fortifications. Its inhabitants made their
living from fishing and craftsmanship. Despite overwhelming prosperity,
it suddenly lost its significance and was abandoned after the foundation
of the ducal fort in Gdansk in the 13th century.
At the turn of 17th and 18th century, Sopot was transformed into
increasingly-fashionable spa that lured an affluent and aristocratic set
as much for its soothing waters as for its vibrant social life. After
partitions of Poland, it passed into Prussia and became a playground for
Europe’s ruling classes. In the meantime, it was popularised by the
doctor of the Napoleon court. As a consequence of Versaile conference
ending World War I, Sopot went under the jurisdiction of Free Town
Gdansk. After World War II, it came back to Poland. Nowadays it is a
renown holiday resort offering unlimited possibilities for enthusiasts
of active recreation as well as an important trade and cultural centre.
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