Esken House in Toruń, house in Toruń, Poland
Esken House at Lazienna Street is a residence featuring Renaissance design elements combined with earlier Gothic influences. The exterior displays carved stone doorways and solid brick walls built in the traditional manner characteristic of Torun's medieval townhouses.
The building was constructed in the 14th century as a residence for mayor Henryk Hitfeld and stood as a family home for wealthy inhabitants. It later passed into the hands of the Esken family and was repurposed as a grain storage facility during the 1800s.
The house takes its name from the Esken family, who lived here for generations and shaped its identity. Visitors can see how wealthy townspeople furnished their homes and organized their daily spaces during the Renaissance period.
The museum is located in Torun's Old Town and sits within easy walking distance of other attractions in the historic center. The displays spread across multiple floors, so plan for adequate time to explore and wear comfortable footwear for moving between levels.
An original Enigma machine from World War II is displayed within the collection, representing one of the few remaining examples still in Poland. This cipher device played a crucial role in wartime communications and intrigues both history enthusiasts and technology buffs.
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