In the Footsteps of Copernicus
A walk through Nicolaus Copernicus's Toruń: the planetarium, his statue on the square, the cathedral where he was baptised, his family home and, to finish, gingerbread you bake yourself.
Route map
Route stops
- 1Władysław Dziewulski Planetarium in Toruń
Poland's most advanced planetarium, housed in a 19th-century industrial building topped with a striking dome. Planetarium Władysława Dziewulski offers astronomical shows honouring Toruń's most famous son, Copernicus. The combination of period architecture and cutting-edge projection technology creates a memorable visit for anyone interested in astronomy and the history of science.
- 2Monument to Nicolaus Copernicus in Toruń
This bronze monument to Nicolás Copérnico was unveiled in 1853, standing prominently in front of Toruń's Gothic Town Hall. The statue depicts the renowned astronomer holding an astrolabe, and is inscribed with the Latin phrase 'Movit Terram et Stetit Solem'—a reference to his revolutionary heliocentric theory. It's a striking tribute to one of history's most influential scientific minds, and what to see when visiting this medieval Polish city.
- 3Basilica Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist in Toruń
A striking brick Gothic cathedral begun in 1260 and Toruń's largest church. Inside you'll find the baptismal font where Copernicus was christened, medieval frescoes, the astronomer's epitaph, and the 7.5-tonne Tuba Dei bell housed in the 52-metre tower. What to see includes these remarkable religious artworks and historical artefacts spanning over seven centuries.
- 4Copernicus House
The Gothic townhouse at Kopernika 15 where astronomer Nicolás Copérnico was born in 1473. Now an interactive museum, it showcases his life, groundbreaking astronomical work, and medieval Toruń. The 15th-century building itself is a fine example of the period architecture that characterises this historic Polish city.
- 5Living Gingerbread Museum
The Museo Vivo del Pan de Jengibre is a living museum dedicated to Toruń's famous gingerbread tradition. Visitors can explore the history of piernik whilst taking part in interactive workshops where you can bake your own biscuits using traditional methods. The museum is particularly well-suited to families, offering a hands-on experience that combines education with the opportunity to create your own souvenir to take home.
