Artus Court was a meeting place for the wealthy burghers of Gdańsk, who were
inspired by the chivalrous traditions of King Arthur and the Knights of the
Round Table. Similar fraternities were set up throughout Europe, and they were
particularly fashionable in the cities of the Hanseatic League. Visitors to the
court came to discuss the issues of the day and to enjoy the fine beer that was
served there in unlimited quantities. The first Artus Court in Gdańsk was
established in the 14th century, but the original building was destroyed by fire
in 1477. The present building opened in 1481. Its rear elevation preserves the
building’s original Gothic style, but the façade was twice rebuilt, first in
1552 and again in 1616–17 by Abraham van den Blocke. The interior furnishings
were renewned several times, funded mainly by individual fraternities, who would
gather for meetings seated on benches along the walls of the court. Despite
wartime destruction, reconstruction has succeeded in recreating something of the
court’s historic atmosphere. A highlight of the interior is the intricately
decorated 16th-century Renaissance tiled stove, 12 m (40 ft) high.