Bergen is one of the largest and oldest cities in Norway, which is sometimes called gate of fjords and the pearl of the north. The city has existed for over a thousand years and it has always served as an important cultural and commercial center. The city had its glory days between the 14th and 17th centuries, when it belonged to the Hanseatic League, the union of merchant cities of Europe. Bergen was among many Hanseatic centers that had access to expensive spices imported from Asia and due to that the city is famous for making gingerbread. In relation to this tradition a gingerbread model of the city is built every year during the Christmas season, the construction of which is supported by city schools and kindergartens.