Revitalization of Sopot - The Seaside Spa Town in Poland

Abstract

Sopot is a Polish seaside resort. In the past - as early as at the beginning of the 20th century - this town was famous for the healing opportunities they created: good conditions for resting and recreation. This town was places where everyone with enough self-esteem was willing to be seen. Since the post-war reconstruction until 1989 (establishment of local governments in Poland), not much has happened in Polish cities in terms of comprehensive activities in the renewal of their building resources and space. In the 90s of the last century Sopot became a town which was one of the first in Poland started his revitalization programme, becoming the leader and good example to other local governments in the country. The programme in Sopot was more complicated than in other smaller towns: it lasted longer, concerned larger and more difficult area. During the last 20 years in Sopot was implemented a number of new investments. Today, this spa town is vibrant with life, especially in the summer. The specificity of this town resulting from its cultural and spa values, seaside location, possibilities of cultural and entertainment, makes that it attracts crowds of resort visitors and tourists from across the Poland, as well as from abroad.