| Page Views: 1,400 Last Visit to Torun: July, 2004 | Architecture, Astronomy and ... Gingerbreads by Skeptic-jr - last update: Jul 8, 2004 |
Torun | Market Square and Cathedral |
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 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. |
| Box for honeycakes in shape of Kopernik's House |
Astronomy and Gingerbreads 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. |
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Skeptic-jr's Torun Travel Tips
Comments for Skeptic-jr about Torun | | | | |
SimonRees Sat Oct 15, 2005 20:40 UTC 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 Tue Aug 23, 2005 16:18 UTC Terrific page with great tips and photos. Looks like an interesting town to visit. | Pawtuxet Tue Mar 22, 2005 23:46 UTC Lovely page. Wonderful architecture. . . and you've done an exceptional job with the history. | jonkb Wed Sep 29, 2004 09:35 UTC Verry good page about Torun. Hope I'll be able to visit it someday. |
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