The cathedral basilica of St John in Toruń

Gothic architecture

The basilica of St John took several centuries to build (from the 13th to the 15th) and is one of the most important examples of brick Gothic in Pomerania and the Chełmno Land. Its broad, massive tower with a mighty western front is distinctive. Inside, Gothic wall paintings, epitaphs and altars survive.

Tuba Dei and Copernicus

• The Tuba Dei bell — cast in 1500, one of the largest medieval bells in Poland
• The Copernicus font — by tradition, Nicolaus Copernicus was baptised here
• The astronomical clock — a Gothic dial on the tower wall
• Climbing the tower — seasonal, with a panorama of the old town and the Vistula

Visiting

The church is in active use — visitors enter separately and outside services; admission is charged, and the tower is ticketed separately. The basilica stands in the heart of the old town, a few steps from the market square and the House of Copernicus.

How to get there and practical info

Location

The old town, close to the market square

Admission for visitors

Charged; separate from the entrance for worshippers

The tower

Seasonal, a separate ticket, with a panorama

From the market square

A few minutes on foot

Time needed

30–60 min (more with the tower)

Please note

Silence and appropriate dress in a place of worship

When to go