Torun Sights and Landmarks Guide, Poland

Situated along Poland’s major river, Vistula, Torun is a one of the few cities that managed to reconcile history with a fast-developing economy. Not only does Torun own a perfectly preserved Old Town, but it also had one of the largest industrial parks in Poland. Since 1997, many of Torun sights gained international recognition and joined the UNESCO patrimony.

Torun Sights – Monuments and Museums

Torun is universally known as the birth city of Nicolaus Copernicus, whose major work, “De revolutionibus”, was to change forever human’s perception of their place in the universe. Copernicus Memorial House is still intact, hosting between its gothic walls an interesting museum dedicated to the life and work of this revolutionary thinker. You can also admire Copernicus Statue in the Old Market Square, which is the heart and soul of Old Town (Stare Miasto) Torun. Other interesting museums are represented by the Ethnographic Museum, the Far-East Art Museum, the District Museum and the Gingerbread Museum (try not to miss the last one, as it lets you see, touch and smell through centuries of gingerbread history). Right in the city center, you will also find the statue of the violin-playing rafter, a legendary figure of Torun who, according to the legend, charmed the invading frogs with the sound of his fiddle and therefore lead them out of town.

Torun Sights – Architecture

From old churches to apartment houses, Torun Old Town is a charming mix of architectural styles. The oldest sight in Torun is represented by the ruins of the Teutonic Order Castle, built in the early 13th century and then destroyed during the 1454 uprising. Impressive churches, spread all over town, speak about the greatness of God through the genius and skill of their architects. Saint Jacob’s and Saint’s Mary churches, dating back to the 14th century, are masterpieces of gothic style. Saint John’s cathedral is famous for hosting the biggest medieval church bell in Poland, the Tuba Dei. Other distinctive works of architecture are the apartment houses around the Old Market (culminating with the amazing baroque Star House), the Town Hall and the city’s walls, gates and barbicans.

Torun Sights – Culture and Entertainment

Torun’s cultural life revolves around its two most prestigious theatres, the Wilam Horzyca Theater and the Baj Pomorsky Theatre. A state-of-the-art contemporary arts center was inaugurated in 2008, encompassing 4000 m2 of galleries, conference rooms, multimedia facilities and a library. No matter what your choice of Torun sights is, there is one thing you shouldn’t miss: the Planetarium and Orbitarium, initiating people of all ages into the secrets of the Universe. If you like this part of Poland, don’t hesitate to pay a visit to some neighboring cities like Gdansk or Poznan.