The Golden Gate was built in 1612–14 on the site of the medieval Ulica Długa
Gate. The architect, Abraham van den Blocke, devised the new construction in the
style of a classical Roman triumphal arch through which the Royal Way would
enter the city of Gdańsk.

The arches of the gate are framed by Ionic columns in the lower tier surmounted
by composite columns in the upper tier. The gate is crowned with statues carved
by Piotr Ringering in 1648 and reconstructed after the originals were damaged in
World War II. The statues on the outer side of the gate, facing away from the
city, depict peace, freedom, prosperity and glory, while those on the inner
side, facing the city, represent prudence, piety, justice and harmony. The
carved decoration is complemented by inscriptions in both Latin and German on
the theme of civic virtue. The whole gate was designed and constructed in the
Neo-Classical style but with Mannerist elements.