You must have heard the famous leaning tower in Paris, but did you know that there was another leaning tower in Toruń, Poland?
With a vertical deviation of about 1,5m, The Gothic Leaning Tower was built by a Teutonic knight from Toruń, which dated back to the 14th century, was once used as part of old Torun’s fortifications. It is said that those who can keep their balance while clinging with their backs and legs to the wall of the tower and stretching out their arms are justice, faithful and honest. This unique test of integrity and ethics makes it become one of the highlights of all tourists’ visits to the Toruń.
Located on the banks of the Vistula river, Toruń is a historic city that boasts numerous preserved medieval structures representing the magnificent achievements of brick Gothic architecture in Europe. The entire town was added to UNESCO List in 1997 for being an uncommonly well-preserved example of a medieval European trading and administrative centre. You can find vast Gothic cathedrals, imposing Gothic Old City Town Hall, ruins of the very first in Poland Teutonic Knights’ Castle, St Mary’s Church with high ceiling and stained glass windows, St James’ Church with Gothic murals and spectacular stellar vaults, many Gothic townsmen’s houses and the long defensive city walls with Gothic gates and turrets. It is also the place where the famous Nicolaus Copernicus was born, many visitors come to stunning red-brick Copernicus Museum to find his traces and spirit. Right next to Copernicus Museum it’s the living museum of gingerbread, where the air was scented with a sweet smell and visitors can discover how gingerbread was baked in Medieval Times and even try to bake one on their own.
Today, Toruń is the most Gothic urban complex in Poland and attracts1.5 millions of tourists to visit each year. This magnificent walled Gothic town should be high on every traveller’s list.
