Old Town of Toruń

The Old Town is a medieval neighborhood with red brick buildings, Gothic churches, and narrow cobblestone streets sloping toward the Vistula River. A large town hall with a distinctive tower anchors the main market square, flanked by residential buildings with varied storefronts.

The Teutonic Knights founded this settlement in 1233 and built fortifications to establish a major trading hub on the Vistula River route. Over centuries it developed into a prominent Hanseatic city, though wars and fires repeatedly reshaped its structure.

The district keeps alive the memory of its Hanseatic past through traditional gingerbread bakeries that still operate using centuries-old recipes. This craft tradition remains visible in shop windows and market stalls throughout the neighborhood.

The neighborhood is easily explored on foot and offers restaurants, hotels, and museums scattered throughout. Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting, when the weather is mild and crowds are lighter in the narrow streets.

The birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus sits on a quiet side street and now functions as a museum displaying his personal belongings. Many visitors pass by without realizing this modest building marks a crucial point in the history of modern astronomy.