Toruń

Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Poland

---

Toruń is a historic city in north-central Poland, located on the banks of the Vistula River. It is one of the two capitals of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, sharing this important role with the city of Bydgoszcz. Toruń has a population of almost 200,000 people and is well-known for its remarkable medieval Old Town, which remains largely unchanged since the Middle Ages.

The city's roots go back to the 8th century, but its rapid development started in 1233 when it was founded by the Teutonic Knights. Toruń quickly became an important trading center and a member of the Hanseatic League—a network of powerful trading cities. Throughout its history, the city was home to people of many backgrounds and religions, contributing to its unique cultural atmosphere.

One of Toruń’s most famous citizens is Nicolaus Copernicus, the astronomer who proved that the Earth circles the sun. You can visit the House of Copernicus museum in the Old Town to learn about his life and discoveries. Toruń is also world-famous for its gingerbread, baked here for nearly 1,000 years. Today, visitors enjoy interactive experiences at the Living Museum of Gingerbread.

Toruń’s Old Town is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is filled with beautiful brick Gothic architecture, stunning churches like St. John’s Cathedral, and an impressive Town Hall with a tall tower. Unlike many other historic Polish cities, Toruń was not damaged in World War II, so its original buildings and cobbled streets are genuine, not reconstructions.

Other highlights include:

• The ruins of the Teutonic Castle, built in the 13th century.
• The Leaning Tower of Toruń, a medieval defensive tower with a visible tilt.
• The lively Old Market Square, surrounded by merchant houses and monuments.
• The planetarium and various museums, including ones dedicated to astronomy and local history.