The Watershed

In one corner of the Oliwa Park, you can find the Oliwa Watershed, which once harnessed the power of the Oliwa stream to power a metelworks factory. Built in 1592, the structure is made up of two buildings on opposite sides of the stream, connected by an enclosed bridge built right on top of the water. Two huge wheels dip down into the cool brook, and although the water doesn't seem to be running very fast, the Watershed was engeneered to such an incredible level, that there was enough power to cut through metal! The Watershed provided a great deal of iron and steel to the nearby city of Gdansk and the fourtunes of Oliwa rose and fell with the fourtunes of its market. Take a step back into history at the Watershed and then take a few steps around the Oliwa Park...It makes for a perfectly enjoyable afternoon!