Only in Toruń | www.torun.pl

Only in Toruń

  • Because of its location on the Vistula river, border-city character, and relations with numerous cities of our continent, Toruń from the beginning of its existence in the 13th century has played an important role in European trade. Part of the commercial profile of the city is its rafting tradition.
  • The foundation charter for Toruń was signed on 28th December 1233 by the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order Herman von Salza and the National Master for Prussia and the Slavonic Lands Herman Balka. In that way Toruń was founded by the Teutonic Order and managed by the Knights until 1454, when it became incorporated to the areas of Polish Republic under the reign of king Kazimierz Jagiellończyk.
  • The angel is an element that distinguishes the crest of Toruń from among the heraldic signs of other Polish cities. The profile of the angel appeared in the crest of Toruń after the end of the thirteen-year war in the 15th century and has survived to our times. Thanks to this, the angel is one of the most important symbols of Toruń.
  • Nicolaus Copernicus, the most famous and the most outstanding citizen of Toruń. He was born here on February 19th, 1473 at St. Anne Street, today 17 Copernicus Street, which now houses a museum dedicated to the astronomer. The fame of Copernicus is connected with his astronomical theory, the heliocentric theory, which assured Copernicus a place among the most outstanding scientists in history. In the town of his birth, Copernicus was baptized in a parish church, today’s St. Johns Cathedral, spent his childhood there and a part of his youth.