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Published: January 26th 2023
Rynek Staromiejski
Rynek Staromiejski, Toruń, at night. Pomnik Mikołaja Kopernika - Copernicus Monument and the Ratusz (Old Town Hall). The monument to astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543), a native of Toruń, was installed in 1853.
Medieval Town of Toruń UNESCO World Heritage site. Inscribed in 1997.
IMG_5809It was an interesting drive north from Poznań to Toruń, passing through Paczkowo with its rustic railway station, Gniezno with its twin towered church, and then Pierzyska for a highway rest stop. A Polish Army airfield appeared at Inowrocław. Upon crossing the Vistula (
Wisła) River we arrived in Toruń around 4:30 p.m. The Hotel Bulwar was a renovated and modernized 19th century Prussian military barracks (
Kaserne). (Toruń was under German dominion from the Second Partition in 1793 to 1918.) Directly across from the hotel were the remains of the the town walls. The 14th century Leaning Tower (
Krzywa Wieża) loomed over the parking lot. Toruń was founded by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century.
Toruń has been famous as a center for making gingerbread, or
piernik, since the 13th century. An attraction in town is the Museum of Gingerbread. The museum preserves the traditions of gingerbread making and has displays about its manufacture. But, best of all, it is an interactive museum where one can learn to bake a real piece of
Pierniki Toruńskie. And so, the Museum of Gingerbread was to be our first stop in Toruń. It was an easy walk from the hotel along the old
Vistula (Wisła) River
Crossing the Vistula (Wisła) River at Toruń.
DSC_0166p1 city all to the Monastery Gate leading into the old town. The museum is in a former 19th century brick warehouse.
The group soon assembled for our gingerbread demonstration and tutorial. The museum was an appropriate looking venue, with wooden floors, brick walls and wooden worktables. Monika lived in Toruń and brought her daughter along for the demo. We learned about gingerbread making Toruń style and the ingredients and implements involved. Then we set about to make out own slice. The gingerbread is usually prepared in a shape using a mould. I choose a carriage. Our doughs were then baked and we were presented with the result. the result! However, we were warned not to actually eat this gingerbread.
It was early evening and still light when the gingerbread demo ended. Susan and I made our way to the old market square. In the center is the 14th century town hall, rebuilt in the 17th century. Many of the buildings date from the Prussian period in the 19th century when the city was known as Thorn. Also on the market square is the Church of the Holy Spirit (
Kościół Ducha Świętego). The Baroque church was built as a
Krzywa Wieża - Leaning Tower
Krzywa Wieża - Leaning Tower of Toruń. Defensive tower built in the 14th century.
"The Schiefe Turm (i.e. leaning tower; 13th cent.) and the old Schloss also deserve inspection".--Baedeker 1910.
Medieval Town of Toruń UNESCO World Heritage site. Inscribed in 1997.
IMG_5749 Protestant (Lutheran) meeting house, but became a Jesuit church in 1945. We went in for a look. The plain nave retains something of its Evangelical austerity. Highlights are the Rococo altar and canopied pulpit. After the visit, we had dinner al fresco at Manekin, right on the market square. The restaurant's speciality was
Naleśniki Wytrawne - Polish Savory Pancakes, and so that is what I ordered. After dinner, we enjoyed the evening illuminations of the old town.
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D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley
Rich in history & beauty
Beautiful. Thank you for taking us along and introducing us to Poland.