Today the presence of two historical market squares serves a reminder that two towns once stood here. In the middle of the Old Town Square stands the monumental Town Hall, and it is an absolute showstopper. Above its gate you can see the city’s symbol: an angel holding a key and a gate with three towers. If you’ve got a keen eye, you’ll notice that in the gate is a door, which is half-open, and half-closed. Why? Many ask. Well, the explanation is actually rather simple: the city is closed to cruel enemies, but open to guests.  

With good reason, it’s also known as a city of peace: two peace treaties ending Polish-Teutonic wars were signed right here in Toruń, in 1411 and 1466. Under the latter treaty, Toruń became a town belonging to the Kingdom of Poland. As the chronicler wrote at the time, “On Sunday the nineteenth day of October, after fulfilling and confirming the agreement on perpetual peace whose terms and provisions were composed over several days, … King Casimir and Master Ludwig came in person to the Toruń market with large retinues of gentlemen. When they had greeted each other in a friendly manner, silence was ordered, and Rudolf, the papal legate, announced the fullness of the agreement on perpetual peace between Casimir, King of Poland, and his kingdom on one side, and Ludwig, Prussian master, and the Order on the other, successfully concluded”.

Toruń’s strategic location on the River Vistula massively impacted its economic development, right from the very beginning. Toruń was a member of the Hanseatic League, and traces of that membership are visible along Szeroka Street, in which the coats of arms of cities Toruń traded with have been craftily embedded. In the past, the city’s wealth was evident by looking at its defensive walls, town halls, burgher houses and numerous churches. Today, many of these relics of former glory remain for you to admire when you stroll around historical Toruń. Not all the town gates, walls and churches have survived the ravages of time, understandably, yet what is left is more than enough to captivate even the most demanding of visitors. 

Once upon a time, a merchant from Kraków arrived in this wealthy town. That man was Nicolaus Copernicus, the father of four children born in Toruń, including a son named after him who went on to become one of the most important names in history.  It remains a great mystery, even to this day, in which house exactly the great astronomer was born. But there’s no mystery surrounding the font he was baptised in – that stands in the Copernicus Chapel at St. James’ Church. If you embark on a route that traces the life of the famous astronomer, the Nicolaus Copernicus House museum is an absolute must. Part of the exhibition is housed in a stunning red-brick tenement that actually belonged to the Copernicus family. 

Toruń is also well-known for its sublime gingerbread, which forms an important part of the city’s heritage. It is here, under the watchful eyes of master gingerbread bakers, that visitors to the city can obtain knowledge once kept very secret. Surrounded by the aroma of spices, you are given the chance to create gingerbread to take home as a souvenir (or, more likely, eat before you leave!). A few places invite you to make this Toruń treasure for yourself, including the Museum of Toruń Gingerbread and the Living Museum of Gingerbread. See? It’s that important, it has museums dedicated to it. The oldest known recipe for Toruń gingerbread actually comes from a medical book; if you needed an excuse to tuck in, now you have one!  

In 1500, a bell was hung in the tower of the Church of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. Dubbed “Tuba Dei” – God’s Trumpet, it was the biggest bell in the entire Kingdom of Poland at the time. Weighing over seven tonnes, it is two metres high and over two metres in diameter. That is a serious bell! You can get a good look at it by climbing the church tower. Up-close, its size is really rather imposing. From the Vistula side, you can also see the famous “raftsmen’s clock” on the same tower, unique in that it only has one hand.  

To really appreciate the city in all its glory, you need to either take a boat tour along on the Vistula, or cross the bridge to the left bank, where there’s an observation deck especially for this purpose. From there, you can take it all in, the vivid orange roofs, the majestic cathedral and the entire silhouette of this beautiful city. This panorama is considered one of the Wonders of Poland, and it’s easy to see why. Recognition for the outstanding universal value of historical Toruń led to it being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 4th December 1997. If this city wasn’t on your list of places to visit, it will be now!