The Highland Gate marks the beginning of the Royal Way that, following Ulica
Długa and Długi Targ, descends eastwards to the Green Gate. It was built by Hans
Kramer of Saxony as part of the fortifications that were erected along the
western limits of the city in 1571–6. Originally built in brick, the gate
acquired its present appearance in 1588, when the Flemish architect Willem van
den Blocke faced it with stone on its western side, making it look as if it were
made of masonry blocks.

The upper level is decorated with cartouches containing coats of arms: that of
Poland, held by two angels (on the breast of the eagle the coat of arms of
Stanisław August, a bull calf, is visible) are flanked by the Prussian coat of
arms, borne by unicorns, and those of Gdańsk, borne by lions.