Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Toruń, Poland

Protected by fortifications along the right bank of the Vistula River, Toruń is the historic city that gifted the world Nicolaus Copernicus. Born in 1473, the cathedral still features the original font where he was baptized.

While numerous attractions in Toruń celebrate this notable figure, the city offers much more to explore. Founded by the Teutonic Knights, significant archaeological work in the 1960s unveiled hidden underground chambers within their castle. Furthermore, during the Middle Ages, the city was a member of the expansive Hanseatic League, boasting a rich collection of merchant houses and historic granaries that reflect its trading prosperity in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Let’s examine the top attractions in Toruń:

1. Old Town Hall

Heralded as one of the finest examples of secular Medieval architecture in Europe, Toruń’s Old Town Hall is a prominent attraction.

Originating in the mid-13th century, the structure underwent significant enhancements in the 1390s under the supervision of the Teutonic Grand Master, Konrad von Wallenrode.

During this period, Toruń thrived as a Hanseatic city, and the Town Hall’s size and architectural magnificence reflect its confidence.

The ground floor and courtyard historically accommodated traders, while administrative matters were conducted on the upper level.

Currently, the Old Town Hall exhibits Mannerist architecture, following a restoration at the beginning of the 17th century.

A museum dedicated to the city’s history is housed within, and visitors can ascend the tower, the oldest section of the building, to enjoy stunning views of the Old Town.

2. Rynek Staromiejski (Old Town Square)

Regarded as the heart of Toruń, the impressive central square was established between 1252 and 1259. In Medieval times, the area hosted tournaments along its western edge, while public executions occurred at the pillory.

Although the remarkable town hall draws much attention, the historic townhouses of merchants and nobility, along with several other minor sights, are equally noteworthy.

One such site is the Artus Court, which once served as the central hub for the social and political activities of merchants in the Teutonic city; it now features a Neo-Renaissance facade from the late 19th century.

At number 26, one can find the striking Main Post Office, built in the 1880s during the German Empire, showcasing a Neo-Renaissance gable complementary to the Town Hall.

3. Toruń Cathedral

Encountering this Late Gothic masterpiece on Ulica Żeglarska is nothing short of mesmerizing, particularly with its imposing western tower.

Those interested in Medieval history will find ample opportunity to admire the cathedral’s rich array of art and historical monuments.

A must-see are the 14th-century frescoes in the chancel, depicting the Crucifixion and Last Judgment.

In keeping with the theme of Copernicus, a chapel is dedicated to the astronomer, housing a 13th-century font used for his baptism in 1473, alongside an 18th-century bust and a tomb monument.

Encased within the tower hangs Tuba Dei (God’s Trumpet), Poland’s largest medieval bell, weighing nearly 7.5 tons and cast in 1500.

4. Teutonic Castle Ruins

Given that the castle was looted during an uprising against the Teutonic Order in 1454, it is unsurprising that remnants of the structure east of the Old Town are minimal.

Discovered largely forgotten until excavations in the 1960s revealed underground chambers now accessible to visitors.

Guests can enter the kitchen to learn about the dietary habits of the knights and see what items would typically be stored in the pantry.

Among other discoveries are the dormitory, where informative displays outline the daily life of the order, along with restored vaults and an active minting room located in the castle’s bailey.

In the ruins of the old chapel, visitors can also find replicas of siege engines.

5. Live Gingerbread Museum

Set within a granary from the early 19th century, this operational reconstruction of a Renaissance bakery allows hands-on participation in traditional gingerbread-making.

Participants sift flour, measure spices, and bake their dough in traditional wooden molds while being entertained with intriguing stories and humor from the gingerbread master and apprentices, concluding with your own gingerbread creation to take home.

A new exhibition unveiled in 2014 illustrates the industrialization of gingerbread-making at the turn of the 20th century, featuring original German machines and molds.

6. House under the Star

Among the monuments facing the Old Town Square, this Italianate Baroque residence stands out with its charm.

Despite its 17th-century facade, the building dates back to the 1200s.

It once served as the residence of the Italian humanist and writer Filippo Buonaccorsi, who tutored the sons of King Casimir IV Jagiellon toward the end of the 15th century.

The intricate stuccowork, featuring motifs of fruits and flowers, was added in 1697, and the building derives its name from the golden star crowning the gable, placed during this later redesign.

The interiors reflect the style of the 18th century, showcasing elaborately carved wooden staircases and painted ceiling beams.

A remarkable collection of artwork, sculpture, and applied arts from China, India, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea is also housed within.

7. Nicolaus Copernicus Monument

The statue of Nicolaus Copernicus, situated in front of the Town Hall, serves as an excellent meeting point in Toruń, elevated above the nearby café tables.

Standing at twice life size atop a five-meter pedestal, he is adorned in academic attire, holding an astrolabe in his left hand while his right index finger gestures towards the sky.

The monument was inaugurated in 1853 after extensive fundraising efforts lasting over 14 years.

An inscription on the pedestal by the German polymath Alexander von Humboldt reads, “Nicolaus Copernicus Thorunensis, terrae motor, solis caelique stator” (“Nicolaus Copernicus of Thorun, mover of the earth, stopper of the sun and heavens”).

8. Rynek Nowomiejski (New Town Square)

In a city rich in history like Toruń, the term “new” is indeed relative, as this square was established in 1264 at the eastern edge of the Old Town.

Once the focal point of a separate town, the New Town Square was home to its own Town Hall, which lost its significance after the towns merged in the 15th century and was ultimately demolished in the 1800s.

Given its age, the New Town Square conveys a grand sense of scale, measuring 95 by 95 meters and surrounded by elegantly designed townhouses.

The buildings here represent a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical.

Notable examples can be found at numbers 17 and 8, where two attractive Baroque townhouses, previously inns, possess interiors dating back to the 15th century.

9. Medieval Walls

The walls of Toruń are as ancient as the city itself, dating back to the mid-13th century.

As the city expanded during the Late Middle Ages, these fortifications were extended and fortified.

Several notable sections have been preserved, and there remain nine gates and towers that are still standing.

The most well-preserved section extends approximately 100 meters along the Vistula waterfront, beginning at the Leaning Tower, which is discussed next.

A brief walk will bring you to the Brama Mostowa (Bridge Gate), originally constructed in 1432, featuring an ogival portal beneath it.

The name originates from a wooden bridge that formerly spanned the river at that location.

Also from this period is the imposing Brama Klasztorna (Convent Gate), showcasing Flemish Gothic architecture and reaching five stories in height.

10. Leaning Tower of Toruń

Situated at the southwest corner of Toruń’s medieval defense system, a noticeable tilt characterizes this tower built from red brick in the late 13th century.

With a tilt of 1.46 meters away from the river, the structure appears to overhang the street below.

Currently home to a tavern, the Leaning Tower likely began its tilt during construction due to it being built on unstable loamy soil.

Legends abound regarding the tower, with one playful account suggesting it once had a friendship with the Vistula, which encroached upon it over time.

As the river approached, it began eroding the tower’s walls. When the tower pleaded with the river to maintain its distance to avoid collapse, the river retorted, “So fall down, then!” or “Toruń” in Polish, echoing across the landscape and reaching the ears of travelers passing by, thus etching the name onto maps.

11. Toruń’s Granaries

The numerous granaries along Toruń’s streets serve as a testament to the city’s medieval significance.

These Gothic structures date back to the era when the city was a part of the Hanseatic League from the 13th to the 15th centuries.

Currently, only 30 granaries remain, down from nearly 100 at the height of the city’s power, most of which have been converted into residences.

You can identify them from Toruń’s tenement houses by their densely arranged semi-circular openings.

For the finest examples, head towards Ulica Rabiańska, Ulica Mostowa, and Ulica Ciasna.

12. Cosmopolis Fountain

Another fitting tribute to Copernicus can be found on the western edge of the Old Town, next to the university’s Harmonica building.

Designed by the local artist Zbigniew Mikielewicz, this fountain, activated in 2008, draws inspiration from Copernicus’ landmark publication, “On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres.” It features 113 jets of water projecting through a granite base, illustrating the orbits of the planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

These jets are arranged around the tallest central jet, which rises five meters, symbolizing the sun.

During summer, the fountain offers four captivating light and sound shows from 21:00 to 00:00, accompanied by a score composed specifically for the monument by Krzesimir Dębski, alongside musical themes from films such as Gladiator and Love Story.

13. Planetarium

While in the birthplace of Copernicus, taking a moment to reflect on the cosmos is a fitting endeavor.

The Planetarium, established in 1994 within a converted Gothic Revival gasholder dating back to 1860, presents five English-language shows covering topics such as the Solar System and the largest known celestial objects.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art projector from the German optics company Zeiss, it showcases images onto one of Poland’s largest domes, measuring 15 meters in diameter.

The ground floor features the Orbitarium, dedicated to the Cassini mission, which captured images of Saturn a decade ago and landed the Huygens probe on one of its moons, Titan.

14. Bydgoskie Przedmieście

Staying on the right bank of the Vistula River, it is worthwhile to take the time to explore the quarter that borders the Old Town to the west.

Originally a suburb, Bydgoskie Przedmieście emerged on the periphery of the City Park during Toruń’s growth at the end of the 19th century.

Currently, alongside the Old Town, this area features the highest concentration of listed monuments, represented through elegant Art Nouveau tenement houses, which have been restored after years of neglect during the Polish People’s Republic.

A great starting point is Ulica Bydgoska, continuing along Mickiewicza and Chopin.

Before concluding your stroll and returning to the Old Town, consider wandering through the City Park, which includes a zoo and botanical garden.

15. Wiślana Panorama Torunia

To appreciate the beauty of Toruń’s silhouette, a visit to the left bank of the Vistula River is necessary.

At Ulica Majdany, an observation platform marks the commencement of the historical bridge that once spanned the river to the Bridge Gate.

This elevated platform provides stunning views of Toruń and its magnificent cathedral, which rises behind the city walls.

Additionally, you can observe remnants of the Teutonic castle, the old granaries, and the tower of the Old Town Hall along with several gables from the city’s patrician houses.

After sunset, the scene becomes enchanting as the walls and monuments are illuminated and reflected in the river.