Delicious ginger cakes… Gothic architecture… the canals of Bydgoszcz… Kujawia-Pomerania has many attractive characteristics.
Arguably one of Poland’s most beautiful cities on account of its atmospheric narrow alleyways and charming Old Town Square, it was founded by Teutonic knights in the 13th century. The ruins of the Teutonic Knights’ Castle can still be seen today, and are in fact one of Toruń’s most popular visitor attractions, with guided tours led by knights in shining armour who invite visitors to try their hand at archery or sample the famous ‘wine of champions’ in the castle’s cellars.
You would be mistaken for thinking that the Teutonic Knights’ Castle was the only historic sight worth visiting in Toruń; Its Old Town was one of very few Polish cities to escape the devastation of World War II, which means that its Gothic architecture has remained largely well-preserved. The Old Town Hall, which was initially built in the 13th century, but later extended in the 17th century is considered to be one of the most monumental in Europe, and there is an abundance of ornate churches and monuments, including the ‘Tuba Dei’ or ‘God’s Trumpet’, Central Europe’s largest Gothic bell. It therefore comes as no great surprise that Toruń is one of UNESCO’s listed world heritage sites.
In the same way that Malaga’s best-known son is Pablo Picasso, and the Danish town of Odense is forever associated with Hans-Christian Andersen, Toruń too has its most celebrated figure – Nicolaus Copernicus (Mikołaj Kopernik), the astronomer and mathematician who proposed that the sun was stationary in the centre of the universe and that the earth revolved around it. A tall sculpture in the heart of the Old Town, the city’s planetarium and the ‘Nicolaus Copernicus University’ all pay homage to the Copernicus, who was born in 1473. The city’s academic tradition is continued today, as Toruń is internationally recognised as a centre of academic excellence.
A city that is steeped in history, Toruń is nevertheless a modern and vibrant city with numerous cafés, bars and restaurants, each offering a variety of different types of cuisine – what they all have in common is the fact that they are all served up with unmistakable Polish hospitality. After dark, the Old Town becomes particularly attractive as the subtly illuminated buildings become reflected in the waters of the Vistula River. As Toruń positions itself as a candidate for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2016, the city can look forward to a rich calendar of cultural and sporting events which will attract both locals and visitors alike.
While you are in the region, another delightful city that is worth visiting is Bydgoszcz, with its waterside tenements and expansive network of canals. Water features largely in this city, as one of its most popular attractions is ‘Wyspa Młyńska’ otherwise known as ‘Mill Island’, which is just a short walk from the Old Town. It is here where visitors will find riverside houses and warehouses dating back to the 18th and 19th century, all built in a distinctive red brick and connected by foot-bridges. A beautiful place for a stroll at this time of year, although some of the most inspiring views of the city are seen from a water-taxi.
Just like Toruń, Bydgoszcz is also a thriving university city with no shortage of places to spend your free time; from shopping malls and well-equipped sports and recreation centres to cultural hot-spots including the Nova Opera and the Pomeranian Philharmonic, both of which attract a host of international performers. It also has numerous cafés, bars and restaurants -plenty to take your pick from.
Kujawia-Pomerania is a great destination for a twin-centre break, as Toruń and Bydgoszcz are two truly fascinating cities, however you should not limit yourself to the cities – be inspired! There are plenty of smaller towns and villages to explore, Kujawia-Pomerania’s hidden gems.
Do następnego razu… (Till next time…)
