Things to see and do Toruń

Originally built in the ^13th century, it was first remodeled in the late ^14th century in a two-storey Gothic style, with an inner courtyard. In the early ^17th century, it was rebuilt in a Dutch Mannerist style. Since 1958, it has housed the Regional Museum(Muzeum Okręgowe), where you'll find mainly Polish paintings from the ^18th, ^19th and ^20th centuries, as well as objects of art and everyday life from Toruń in the Middle Ages. Once you've enjoyed the museum, be sure to visit the tower.

Erected in the middle of the city, this skansen takes the form of a small rural village that gives a glimpse of the traditional countryside architecture in the Toruń region in past centuries. There are farms, forges, beehives, water and windmills, as well as objects and utensils of everyday life. In the summer, extras in traditional costume bring the past to life a little more. To add to the immersion, a bastion of the 19th century fortifications and a Prussian arsenal from 1824 guard the entrance.

Recently completely renovated, this house is dedicated to the life and work of the famous astronomer. The museum occupies both buildings, in Gothic style, although it was number 15 that saw the birth of the famous astronomer on February 19th 1473. In one room there is also a model of the city in the 15th century. The modern animations allow to live and relive through many films the life at that time. Between beliefs and myths, we learn a lot about the revolutionary astronomer and his acceptance by society and researchers of the time.

The center's staff will be delighted to provide information on the main attractions in and around the city. They will also help you find accommodation if required and certified guides to organize your visits. The center offers tourist brochures and free Internet access. Luggage storage is also available during opening hours. Please note that this service is subject to a charge, but is still more than affordable.

Nicknamed the "Red Granary", this former medieval residence belonged to the Esken family in the ^mid-15th century. At the end of the 16th century, it was modified and transformed into a Renaissance palace. At the end of the ^19th century, it became a granary, then a reserve for the Prussian army. Today, it houses the history and archaeology department of the Regional Museum. There's an exhibition on life in Toruń from prehistory to the Middle Ages, and a display tracing the various stages of German rule in the ^19th century.

This is one of Toruń's most beautiful houses, where, in the late ^15th century, Filippo Buonacorsi, tutor to the sons of King Casimir Jagiellon, lived. When it was restored in the ^17th century, it lost its original Gothic appearance and became the Baroque edifice with a richly decorated facade featuring floral motifs that we see today. Today, it houses a fine little museum of Far Eastern art, whose collections include Japanese prints and ceramics, Chinese porcelain and paintings.

Built in 1253 on the banks of the Vistula, it was the seat of the Teutonic authority. Today, only the ruins remain, spread over a rather suggestive green space, enclosed by the old ramparts. However, the pits and the lower part of the castle are still preserved. They are located at the base of a large octagonal tower, which gives a good idea of the imposing old brick fortress. The best preserved part is the Gdanisko tower, which was originally used as a latrine and is accessed through a suspended gallery. Sometimes cultural events are held in the cellars, which are still in good condition. From the system of walls that surrounded the city in the Middle Ages, fragments remain along the Vistula River. This system included nine gates, of which only three remain. The Monastery Gate (Brama Klasztorna), built in the 15th century in the Gothic style, takes its name from the Benedictine monastery that was located here. The Bridge Gate (Brama Mostowa) was built in 1432. Previously, there was a bridge in front of the gate that connected the two banks of the Vistula, hence the name. The Sailors' Tower was built in the mid-14th century of red brick, which is typical of Toruń architecture. It is located at the end of Żeglarska Street, which leads to the banks of the Vistula River, where before there was the port. In addition to its defensive role, it was in this tower that Polish kings visiting the city were welcomed.

This imposing statue was installed in 1853, almost two centuries ago. This work of art cast in bronze was made by the German sculptor Fryderyk Abraham Tieck. On its pedestal is the Latin inscription "Nicolaus Copernicus of Toruń stopped the Sun and the Sky and set the Earth in motion," a famous phrase that reminds us of the scholar's contributions to modern science. Today the statue is the classic meeting place of the people of Toruń.

Erected in the ^14th century, the Penchée tower takes its name from its almost 1.50 m inclination, visible to the naked eye. Built in the ^14th century, it was originally used as a defensive wall for the town. In the ^18th century, it lost this function and became a women's dungeon. In the ^19th century, it was used as a forge and apartments for gunsmiths. Its subsidence is due to the weight of its weight on the sandy soil, although some see it as divine punishment inflicted on the city of Copernicus, the astronomer with heretical theories.

Installed in one of the three old gas tanks from 1860-1890, built in the city center, it opened its doors on February 18, 1994, for the 521st anniversary of Copernicus' birth. It can accommodate 150 people. Under a dome of 15 meters in diameter are projected documentary films on the universe and astronomy. It has a brand new interactive installation, the Mars Base, which is very modern and fun to learn about the challenges of space colonization, but is for now only in Polish.

A gourmet journey through a ^16th-century gingerbread(pierniki) production workshop. After unveiling the secrets and history of gingerbread, the MUSEUM's master pastry chefs will help you make your own gingerbread, which you'll take home after baking in the MUSEUM's own oven, according to your preferred mold. An unmissable visit to the gingerbread capital, and a must for those traveling with children. The MUSEUM regularly organizes workshops in English, so we recommend you make a reservation by e-mail.

Built between 1309 and 1350, under the administration of the Teutonic Order at the time of the city's foundation, this church consists of a central nave of 21 m twice as high as the two on the sides. At the end of the right nave is a Gothic crucifix called "Christ at the Tree of Life", inherited from a Dominican church, and in the chancel is an 18th century Baroque altar. The church is dominated by a double-roofed bell tower. The church is one of the most important examples of brick architecture in the Baltic Sea basin.

Built between 1889 and 1891, this beautiful Renaissance-style building is now the city's cultural center. It hosts all kinds of events, including numerous concerts, recitals and shows. It occupies the site of a building destroyed in the early 19th century where in 1466 the Treaty of Toruń was signed, which marked the end of the war with the Teutonic Knights. Inside, you can admire the harmonious mixture of old and contemporary. The decoration is superb, do not hesitate to look up to admire the beauty of the ceilings.

Built at the end of the 14th century by order of Franciscan, this imposing red brick church is austere view from the outside but beautifully decorated inside frescoes and long stained-glass windows. In particular, the three naves are frescoes from the 14th century on the life of Christ. The vaults, in star, are decorated with floral motifs. The church houses the baroque mausoleum of the Swedish princess Anna Vasa, sister of king Sigismund III.

Built in the early ^13th century, it is one of the oldest Gothic churches in the region, and the town's largest religious edifice. It dominates the landscape with its 52-metre bell tower, built in 1433. It houses the second-largest bell in Poland, after Wawel. Cast in 1500, the bell is called Tuba dei, "trumpet of God", and measures 217 cm in diameter, weighing 7.2 tons. The Protestants took over the building in 1530.