Berlin is a cosmopolitan metropolis with some of the most dynamic art, theatre, opera, and music in Europe. This is a modern city yet profoundly historic. Berlin is the capital of Germany, a vibrant city that has fully overcome it cold war and wartime experiences. Gdansk's shipyards and longstanding maritime tradition made it the busiest Baltic port since medieval times. From this prosperity grew today's fascinating northern Polish city with its elaborate architecture and Old World charm. Formerly known as Danzig, Gdansk is of great interest to history buffs. The start of World War Two took place in Gdansk, as did Lech Walesa's dissent against communism which ultimately resulted in the end of the Soviet rule in the 1980's.