Gdynia at 100: A Strategic port city celebrates its maritime identity

Gdynia marked the 100th anniversary of receiving city rights with a ceremony held at the Pomeranian Quay, next to the historic destroyer ORP Błyskawica — a location symbolizing the city’s enduring link with maritime economy and naval power.

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10 february 2026   |   12:02   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Marynarka Wojenna RP

Founded as a strategic project of the Second Polish Republic, Gdynia emerged within a decade from a small Kashubian village into a modern seaport — Poland’s long-awaited "window to the world". The centenary celebrations clearly emphasized that maritime ambition remains at the core of the city’s identity.

The ceremony began with the national anthem and the raising of the Polish flag, accompanied by a full naval honor guard and the ceremonial grand ensign displayed aboard ORP Błyskawica.

In her address, Mayor Aleksandra Kosiorek recalled the visionary origins of the port city:

- 10 February, exactly 100 years ago, Gdynia received its city rights. We meet today at the quay by ORP ‘Błyskawica,’ which for decades has accompanied our city and is one of its most recognizable symbols. Yet the history of our unique city began much earlier - with the sea and with dreams of our own window to the world. Engineer Tadeusz Wenda indicated the right location, and Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski gave this bold vision its momentum.

Speakers stressed that Gdynia was not an organic urban evolution, but a deliberate geopolitical and economic decision designed to secure Poland’s access to the Baltic Sea.

MP Wioleta Tomczak emphasized the determination behind the project:

- There would be no Gdynia without the courage, determination and dedication of thousands who believed that a small Kashubian village could become a window to the world.

MP Kacper Płażyński underlined the strategic dimension:

- Gdynia is one of the most beautiful chapters in Polish history. It is a symbol of pride and determination. The Baltic Sea means security and maritime economy - our future and our national interest.

Vice Admiral Jarosław Ziemiański, Inspector of the Polish Navy, highlighted the city’s naval significance:

- From the very beginning, Gdynia’s fate has been inseparably linked with the Polish Navy. (…) Today, after one hundred years, it can confidently be said that Gdynia is one of the most important and forward-looking port cities in Poland.”

The ceremony concluded with a parade by the Representative Company and Orchestra of the Polish Navy. A commemorative mass for the city was also held as part of the centenary program.

Beyond the symbolic dimension, the anniversary reaffirmed Gdynia’s role as a key pillar of Poland’s maritime economy and Baltic security architecture - a port city built on strategy, industry and naval presence, and still defined by them a century later.

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