The Frauengasse (Ladies' Lane) is first mentioned in 1350 as "platea dominae Mariae" (Street of the Lady Mary), commonly also "platea dominae nostrae" (Street of Our Lady), and in German as "fruengasse." The lane takes its name from St. Mary's Church, the principal parish church toward which it leads.

Whether an access to the Mottlau River already existed in the 14th century cannot be determined with certainty. The present gatehouse appears in ground-rent registers only from 1484, suggesting the structure was built around that time. This is further indicated by the coats of arms from the Polish period on the exterior and interior, which are repeated in exactly the same arrangement on the Haker Gate (Hakerbude), built in 1482.

Rebuilt after the war complete with its characteristic Beischläge (elevated stone terraces serving as stoops before the house entrances), the Frauengasse today forms the unofficial main promenade of the Main Town and is considered one of the most beautiful streets in Gdansk. Its modern Polish name "ulica Mariacka" translates as Mary's Lane.

History