"Architecture, Astronomy and ... Gingerbreads" Top 5 Page for this destination Torun by Skeptic-jr

Torun Travel Guide: 256 reviews and 447 photos

Torun

Without any doubts Torun is the one of the most beautiful Polish cities. Althought its roots are rather not only Polish...

The town was founded in 1233 by Crusaders, who were the order of monks-knights. After some failures in Palestine they have been invited by some of Central-European rulers. One of Polish princes also invited them for evangelize "pagans".

But after exteminating a few Prus people tribes thay created their own state and moved against Poland (divided in that time in many small princedoms and tried hard to unite) and other neighbors.

Under the Crusadres' rule the town had castle and became an important trade center and the member of Hanza (the union of trade cities and ports from German seaboard).

Torun was also one of centers of Polish resistance against the Crusaders. Its culmination was an
uprising against the order in 1454 which was the beginning of Polish-Crusaders 13-years war. As war's results Poland incorporated one part of Crusaders' state (with Torun) and the rest become a fief of Polish kings.

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Old and New Town

Torun Down-Town

From the beginning the city was developing quickly. Just after its founding, in 1264, they located the New Town. In the contrary to the Old one its residents were not merchants and the richests craftsmen, but rather poorer of them.

Astronomy and Gingerbreads

Box for honeycakes in shape of Kopernik's House

For Poles Torun besides gorgeous architecture and great universities always reminds honey-cakes and famous astronomer Kopernik.

From 1997 historical center of Torun is on the UNESCO list.

I have been to the city a few times, but unfortunately those visits had been usually just "sliddings" in the old center of Torun. But it is for sure the most interesting part of the city for tourist, especially if they are from abroad. Even if they (you) will only slide like me, you still can have a breath of its atmosphere, taking back home gingerbreads in the box formed as it was a one of famous Torun's building.

Last visit to Torun: Jul 2004
Intro Updated Jul 8, 2004
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Reviews (31)

Gingesbreads (Honey-cakes) Local Customs (1)

Torun is famous in all Poland for its gingerbreads. In some markets you can buy them packed in the paper boxes formed... more travel advice

Stylish tenement house Hotels (3)

When I stayed here I noticed that style of furniture, wall colors etc. in each rooms were a bit different - and it... more travel advice

At the cathedral's foot Hotels (3)

Hotel in three ancient houses at the heart of the Old Town. Many rooms (with bathrooms) and huge conference hall.... more travel advice

Luxery Hotels (3)

"Black House", where the hotel is located dates to 17th century, but its architecture is similar to the late... more travel advice

Restaurants (3)
See All Local custom
Things to Do (22)
See All Walking amongst houses and old granaries

Favorites (2)
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Comments (10)

SimonRees Oct 15, 2005 at 12:40 PM Report Abuse

Great page on what looks like an amzing place. I will go to Torun next year, your tips will come in handy. Dziekuje bardzo.
roamer61 Aug 23, 2005 at 8:18 AM Report Abuse

Terrific page with great tips and photos. Looks like an interesting town to visit.
Pawtuxet Mar 22, 2005 at 3:46 PM Report Abuse

Lovely page. Wonderful architecture. . . and you've done an exceptional job with the history.
jonkb Sep 29, 2004 at 1:35 AM Report Abuse

Verry good page about Torun. Hope I'll be able to visit it someday.
cheekymarieh Sep 13, 2004 at 11:57 PM Report Abuse

Great page. I climbed to the top of the tower for views of the city. My favourite part of my trips was all of the gingerbread!
sihi Sep 7, 2004 at 8:55 AM Report Abuse

Torun is pretty attractive city. Nice page and pictures!:)
Kristina1701 Jul 12, 2004 at 2:18 PM Report Abuse

what a beautiful city. seems i have to come back to poland one day to see more :-)
matcrazy1 Jul 11, 2004 at 7:01 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful page on one of the most beautiful old towns in Poland, great German architecture there! I like the idea of links to panoramas...
ncfg Jul 7, 2004 at 1:33 PM Report Abuse

Very nice Marek, your pics are great, but the panorama pic, well... you have to train more taking pics and drive at the same time LOL
pepples46 Jul 5, 2004 at 5:31 PM Report Abuse

I had no idea about this place....VT is just great Mark you made a wonderful presentation. thank you for sharing