Before being relocated in the second half of the 19C, the port of Gdansk stretched along the Motlawa. All streets perpendicular to it opened onto the river through fortified gateways. Beyond, wooden wharves allowed ships to moor. An increase in shipping traffic necessitated jetties and, in the early 17C, a long wooden quay was built, today bordered by fine houses, their gables reflected in the water and their doors providing access from the perpendicular streets.