Torun, a magical city, founded in the 13th century by the Teutonic Kights, copped little bombing in WW2 and remains pretty much as it was. We Spent a bit of extra time in Torun courtesy of a cracked suspensions spring on the Golf, not to menion the stray nail in the rear. Must say the German spring did well to endure 7 years on the Polish roads! One starts to understands the road issue when you realise that Pland in pretty much the main link between East and West. 60 tone trucks travel east west, 32 tonnes being the limit, big fines don't seem to stop them damaging the roads in this tough climate. It's like driving a 4WD in smooth ruts and when teh rain falls it's aquaplaning at 120!
Anyway..... Torun was magical, the birthplace on Nicolas Copernicus who stood up to the clergy and said we (the Earth) is not the centre of the Universe... the same "principle" challanged in us tends to cause a few a problems! The town is also famous for its "pierniczki" gingerbread of all sorts and all natural fillings. few pics supplied. Was too late to take pics of he ones we purchased as they dissapeared too quickly!
Golden Donkeys stroll the city square - Town Hall - Old Square
Typical street with renovated historical buildings.
Copernicus Statue.....not sure what was going on in town that week.
Got lucky and climbed the town hall clock tower on a drizzly day!
Torun is simply beautiful!
One of Ania's shots.
Library lintel
An old radio we used to have in the 60's and listened to "Free Europe"
In a local restaurant
Torun by nite from the bridge. We styed across the river.
One of the main entry gates!
Local fresco of Torun in a local sreet. I wish we had the time to walk each one.
Soap by the kilogram, just like pizza in Italy!
Top and bottom - 15th century (House of choclate / coffee shop of course) with original ceiling paint job! Dulux don't make paint like they used to!
Prices were equivalent to the class of this palce.
Why use pots?
Teutonic knights - scourge of Poland from 1200 till early 1400 when they got defeated and had to pay homage to the King of Poland. The king that let these guys in in the 13th century will have a lot of explaining to do! ;-)
The last teutonic knight (Krzyzak) at the bottom of the Castle Well
The remains of teh teutonic castle that Toruns Citizens burned down and destroyed due to the opressive nature of the Order. The decision by the local Council to never rebuild the castle, stands to this day. (even for tourist reasons) Yet the dungeons remain and lots to see. We got a personal tour of the underground.
Bye, bye lovely Torun with all it's butique and jewelry shops. "Ania"
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