Torun, Poland
July 13, 2025
Born into a wealthy family in 1473, Nicolaus Copernicus studied fields as diverse as astronomy and astrology in Krakow and law and medicine in Italy. An original, he had the conviction and courage to challenge the geocentric model of the universe that was then in vogue, to replace it with the correct heliocentric one. It is his work that sparked the scientific revolution and in later times influenced other giants in the field of science like Galileo, Kepler and Newton. Torun is where he was born, and it is here that I came to pay homage to one of the greats of science.
In the Old Town of Torun is the house where he was born, now a museum. His statue stands at one corner of the Old Town Hall. A planetarium, an unusual but apt attraction of this town.
The Old Town of Torun dates back to the 13th century CE and dominating the main square is the large Town Hall, complete with dungeons. Opposite it is the Church of the Holy Spirit with its tall steepled bell tower. Next to it is a red brick building, now the Post Office but was reputed to have hosted Napoleon in its lifetime. Across a narrow street is the mammoth Church of Virgin Mary, its plain façade making it look even taller than it is. The three turrets on its roof have intriguing designs. I peered inside to look at the soaring ceilings and gilt and gold interior. Most beautiful perhaps was the ornately carved wooden pulpit.
Torun has another claim to fame; it is reputedly the home to the best gingerbread in the world. Supposedly begun in the 13th century, with access to fine wheat, honey from nearby villages and spices that came up from the far east via trade routes, this particular treat quickly became a household name.
An old factory is now a gingerbread museum, offering classes on making it but I am far more interested in sampling it. The attendant shop has a bewildering variety; far more than I could possibly try but I make a valiant effort!
ITCHY FEET TRAVELS 