It's difficult to come up with a different way to explain Torun than Polish chronicler Jan Dlugosz did in the 15th century. Torun shines so beautifully that few towns can equal its beauty and magnificence, despite how much it has evolved and improved since his time: “With its decorative houses and brick tiles covering its roofs, Torun shines so wonderfully that few towns can match its beauty and magnificence.” Teutonic Knights founded the town in the 13th century – but in a different location! According to the Teutonic Order's chronicles, frequent flooding was the cause for its later relocation. Two towns grew up in a short time: the Old and the New, and the Teutonic Knights built their castle in the center of the two. 

The inclusion of two historic market squares today acts as a reminder that the area once housed two cities. The magnificent Town Hall sits in the heart of the Old Town Square and is a true show-stopper. The city's emblem is an angel carrying a key and a gate with three towers, which can be seen above its gate. If you look closely, you'll find that there's a door in the gate that's half-open and half-closed. What is the reason for this? Many people have inquired. The explanation is simply very straightforward: the city is inaccessible to ruthless rivals but free to visitors.

Torun is recognized as a city of peace for a reason: in 1411 and 1466, two peace treaties ending Polish-Teutonic wars were concluded right here in Torun. Torun became a town of the Kingdom of Poland as a result of the latter treaty. “On Sunday the nineteenth day of October, after completing and confirming the deal on everlasting peace whose terms and conditions were written for several days,...” wrote the chronicler at the time. With huge retinues of gentlemen, King Casimir and Master Ludwig visited the Torun market in person. After they had exchanged friendly greetings, Rudolf, the papal legate, declared that the agreement on permanent peace between Casimir, King of Poland, and his kingdom on the one side, and Ludwig, Prussian master, and the Order on the other, had been successfully concluded.” [based on the Annals of Jan Dugosz]

Animals can be seen all over the region, and many stories and myths surround them. A frog fountain can be located near the Town Hall (not real ones). Don't quit without rubbing their backs – it's a small price to pay for pleasure, according to tradition. Why take the chance, right? Look upwards and across from near the fountain until you see the black cat on the top of one of the tenements. There's even the donkey. Yes, donkey. Many visitors are taken aback when they see a donkey standing in the market square. It can seem cute, but its symbolism is very dark: it refers to a former detention center. Unruly guards were once sat on the back of a donkey, with a metal pole to cause discomfort and weights bound to their feet to make the punishment even more severe. On the other side of the square, there is a monument with a more fascinating storey. Filu the flappy-eared puppy, with its master's bowler hat in its mouth, lies amusingly next to a lamp post. It is said that stroking its head would make you smarter, and grabbing its tail will get you luck in sex. Why do you make a decision? Combine the two!

Torun's strategic position on the Vistula River had a huge effect on its economic growth from the start. Torun was a member of the Hanseatic League, and evidence of that affiliation can be seen along Szeroka Street, where the coats of arms of the cities in which Torun traded have been cleverly incorporated. Looking at the city's defensive walls, town halls, burgher homes, and various churches in the past revealed the city's wealth. Many of these remnants of past glory can still be seen while strolling along historical Torun. Understandably, not all of the town gates, walls, and churches have endured the ravages of time, but what remains is more than enough to enthrall even the most discerning tourists.

Nicolaus Copernicus' birthplace Once upon a time, a trader from Kraków came to this prosperous area. Nicolaus Copernicus was the father of four children born in Torun, one of whom was named after him and went on to become one of history's most important figures. Even now, the precise house in which the great astronomer was born remains a great mystery. But there's no doubt about the font he was baptized in: it's on display in St. James' Church's Copernicus Chapel. The Nicolaus Copernicus House museum is a must-see for those embarking on a trip through the life of the renowned astronomer. A part of the show is located in a beautiful red-brick tenement once owned by the Copernicus family.

Torun is also known for its delectable gingerbread, which is a significant part of the city's history. Visitors to the city will receive information once kept very hidden here, under the watchful eyes of master gingerbread bakers. You should bake gingerbread to take home as a souvenir (or, more possibly, enjoy it before you leave!) while being surrounded by the scent of spices. The Museum of Torun Gingerbread and the Living Museum of Gingerbread are two places where you can make this Torun gem for yourself. See what I mean? It is so important that it has its own museum. Torun gingerbread's oldest known recipe comes from a medical book; if you needed a reason to eat more, now you have one!

Torun was once a castle. It had 12 gates, over 60 keeps, and two barbicans within its medieval walls. The Leaning Tower is the most well-known keep. Did you know there was a second Leaning Tower? Its crookedness, according to tradition, was a penalty for a sinful Teutonic Knight. When you go to the tower, you can stand under it with your feet on the ground, your back, and your head on the stone, with your arms held out in front of you. Whoever can stand without wobbling in this position has a clean conscience. At least, that's how the legend goes. The oldest part of the historical walls, which faces the River Vistula and features three gates that once led into the town, is still standing today. When Swedish forces threatened Torun in the 17th century, splendid bastions were constructed around the city. Two decades later, the Prussian forces encircled the city with a 22.5-kilometer-long ring of fortifications. About 200 defensive buildings, including 15 forts, were constructed on both banks of the Vistula during the building of this fortress. They were really serious about defending their area! Take a tour of Fort IV with an unruly infant or companion to give them a fright! A Prussian soldier will soon show them wrong's what!

The ruins of the Teutonic castle are one attraction not to be missed. The development began in the 13th century on a horseshoe pattern, making it the first Teutonic castle on the right bank of the Vistula. Torun's burghers mostly destroyed it in the mid-15th century, and it stands as a stark reminder of the repercussions of power misuse. According to tradition, the people of Torun had a helper inside the fortress, Jordan, who ascended the stairs to the top of the tower and signaled the assault. Unfortunately, the attackers blew up the wall, and the impact of the blast hurled the well-intentioned cook into the air, where he landed on one of Torun's doors. Jordan is in such a bad situation!

Torun has hosted Polish kings on many occasions over the centuries, both in the Teutonic and Polish periods. A cook spilled dishwater all over King Ladislaus Jagieo during a visit by King Ladislaus Jagieo in late May 1404, as recorded by Dugosz: “And when during those three days King of Poland Ladislaus traveled across the streets of Torun with the master of Prussia to see the town's site, a cook spilled dishwater all over King Ladislaus.” She was arrested on the master's orders and condemned to drowning, but the king's goodness spared her.” Maybe he wasn't paying attention to where he was headed. No king, however, liked Torun as much as Casimir Jagiełło, who came to Torun the most: 16 times in all, for a total of 14 months.

The Church of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist had a bell hung in the tower in 1500. It was the largest bell in the entire Kingdom of Poland at the time, called "Tuba Dei" – God's Trumpet. It stands two meters tall and has a circumference of over two meters, weighing over seven tonnes. That's a serious ringer! Climbing the church tower will give you a clear view of it. Its height is truly imposing when seen up close. On the same tower, on the Vistula side, you can see the famed "raftsmen's clock," which is unusual in that it only has one hand.

Take a cruise tour around the Vistula or cross the bridge to the left bank, where there is an observation deck specifically, for this reason, to really enjoy the city in all its glory. The vibrant orange roofs, the magnificent church, and the whole silhouette of this glorious city can all be seen from there. It's easy to see why this panorama is considered one of Poland's Wonders. Historical Torun was identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 4, 1997, in appreciation of its exceptional universal importance. If this city wasn't even on the bucket list, it will be now!

Warszawa (Warsaw):

It is the capital of Poland with an estimated population of 1.7 million people. The majority of Polish people migrate to the city for business and education. This is due to the higher education institutions with a vibrant spirit, and it is an important center for culture and sciences. 

After the city was destroyed entirely by World War II, it gained steady progress with years of communism. This helped the city recover in terms of its architecture and commercial structure, both of which are signified by the Palace of Science and Culture and the skyscrapers. 

Kraków (Cracow):

The city has stunning architecture and fine works of art which is a major tourist attraction. It was the ruling place of the royal family and the capital of Poland until 1596. 

As the first university of Poland, the Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364, is located in Kraków and is regarded as the cradle of Polish science. Kraków has more than 730,000 residents, and it is an important cultural and academic center. 

Wrocław:

It is the fourth largest city in Poland and the capital of Lower Silesia (Dolny Śląsk). There is a beautiful Old Town with a unique atmosphere that describes its history and location. It spreads across several islands and is surrounded by the Oder River and its tributaries on all sides. 

Gdańsk:

It is a major seaport in Poland and forms the Tricity Metropolis with Sopot and Gdynia along with a population of 750,000 people. Gdansk was an important Hanseatic city, owned by Poland and Germany alternately. This where World War II and the Polish Solidarity Movement began. 

Poznań:

It is among the oldest and largest Polish cities, and due to its Paris-Moscow route, Poznań is an important transport and trade center. Poznań has been the venue for the International Trade Fair since 1925. It also has a good number of universities and research institutes that contribute to its development. 

Łódź:

Łódź is an important city in Poland, and it was the textile-manufacturing hub. It has a Central Museum of Textiles with 19th-century machinery, fabrics, and handicrafts that were once a prominent part of the city’s trade and commerce. The Manufaktura complex, which was once a factory, was restored into a lively arts and culture center. 

Poland has numerous cities and universities that can make your time there worthwhile. Moreover, the value of a degree acquired from any university in this country is far greater than in other European regions.