![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/polish\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2012\/05\/images-32.jpeg\")
<\/a>Toru\u0144<\/strong> is a great place to start your tour of Kujawia-Pomerania.<\/p>\nArguably one of Poland\u2019s most beautiful cities on account of its atmospheric narrow alleyways and charming Old Town Square<\/strong>, it was founded by Teutonic knights in the 13th century. The ruins of the Teutonic Knights\u2019 Castle<\/strong> can still be seen today, and are in fact one of Toru\u0144\u2019s 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 \u2018wine of champions\u2019 in the castle\u2019s cellars.<\/p>\n You would be mistaken for thinking that the Teutonic Knights\u2019 Castle was the only historic sight worth visiting in Toru\u0144; Its Old Town was one of very few Polish cities to escape the devastation of World War II, which means that its Gothic architecture<\/strong> 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 \u2018Tuba Dei\u2019<\/strong> or \u2018God\u2019s Trumpet\u2019<\/strong>, Central Europe\u2019s largest Gothic bell. It therefore comes as no great surprise that Toru\u0144 is one of UNESCO\u2019s listed world heritage sites.<\/p>\n In the same way that Malaga\u2019s best-known son is Pablo Picasso, and the Danish town of Odense is forever associated with Hans-Christian Andersen, Toru\u0144 too has its most celebrated figure – Nicolaus Copernicus (Miko\u0142aj Kopernik)<\/strong>, 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\u2019s planetarium and the \u2018Nicolaus Copernicus University\u2019<\/strong> all pay homage to the Copernicus, who was born in 1473. The city\u2019s academic tradition is continued today, as Toru\u0144 is internationally recognised as a centre of academic excellence.<\/p>\n A city that is steeped in history, Toru\u0144 is nevertheless a modern and vibrant city with numerous caf\u00e9s, bars and restaurants, each offering a variety of different types of cuisine \u2013 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 Toru\u0144 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<\/strong>, with its waterside tenements and expansive network of canals. Water features largely in this city, as one of its most popular attractions is \u2018Wyspa M\u0142y\u0144ska\u2019<\/strong> otherwise known as \u2018Mill Island\u2019<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Just like Toru\u0144, 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<\/strong> and the Pomeranian Philharmonic<\/strong>, both of which attract a host of international performers. It also has numerous caf\u00e9s, bars and restaurants -plenty to take your pick from.<\/p>\n Kujawia-Pomerania is a great destination for a twin-centre break, as Toru\u0144 and Bydgoszcz are two truly fascinating cities, however you should not limit yourself to the cities \u2013 be inspired! There are plenty of smaller towns and villages to explore, Kujawia-Pomerania\u2019s hidden gems.<\/p>\n Do nast\u0119pnego razu… <\/strong>(Till next time…)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Delicious ginger cakes\u2026 Gothic architecture\u2026 the canals of Bydgoszcz\u2026 Kujawia-Pomerania has many attractive characteristics. Toru\u0144 is a great place to start your tour of Kujawia-Pomerania. Arguably one of Poland\u2019s 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…<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n