The Goose Lady

We love Toruń and we love its quirky statues and sculptures. There are literally dozens of them scattered all around the Old Town. One such addition is the sculpture of a medieval-clad woman holding a basket of eggs and a goose. Unfortunately, she's about to drop one of the eggs...oh no! It's not the Golden Egg is it?!!

The Twin Towers of Toruń

Nestled in one corner of the New Town Square is the impressive Kościół pw. św. Jakuba (the Church of Saint Jacob) with its unique twin towers. What's even more impressive is that it's been standing there from 1350! One of the many joys of medieval Toruń.

City Wall Sitter

This is a new addition to part of the Old City Wall in Ul. Podmurna. It is situated on the same wall as the Passion Figures and indeed is by the same artist. (see earlier post): http://torundailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/05/passion-scene-figures.html)

Think it really adds character to the place!

Colourful medieval mural

There are alot of talented artists living here in Toruń...and here is one example of decorating a wall with colourful artwork. This one lines the road leading to the ruins of the Teutonic castle...hence there is quite a medieval theme going on!!

Torun Street Scene

Medieval architecture in the Old Town of Torun.

A Plague of Frogs

In Toruń's main square, there is a fountain dedicated to the story of the Raftsman and the frogs. Legend has it that in the medieval times, the city was infested by a plague of frogs (well the River Vistula is really close by!). In stepped a raftsman who managed to rid the city of the frogs simply by playing his violin to them! The story is very similar to that of 'The Pied Piper of Hamlyn' and it'll be interesting to see which one inspired which!

Passion Scene figures

These are a new addition to Toruń! As the sign says they are ceramic sculptures made by a local artist inspired by the 15th Century tablau painting "The Toruń Passion" (1480), which depicts medieval townspeople living in our city. This is part of a new drive by the local council to brighten up Toruń and make it as tourist-friendly as possible. It's not hard...Toruń is already a really interesting and beautiful place!!!

The tableau painting can be found in Saint James's Church. To see an image of it, go to: http://www.turystyka.torun.pl/index.php?jezyk=1&strona=196 (albeit in Polish), scroll down to Kościół św. Jakuba and then down again to the 3rd set of images underneath. The painting is the 2nd image. You can click it to enlarge it slightly.

Dwór Mieszczański profile

So after a week of Polish nature shots, we return to something a little familiar back in our beloved medieval city. This is the famous Dwór Mieszczański building, which was captured on our 25th March posting: http://torundailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/03/dwr-mieszczaski.html. However, this time we show you the full impressive profile of the building. Enjoy!

Competition result: Curfew barrier

Well done to everyone who entered yesterday's competition. We had a good number of entries and many fantastic ideas. I particularly liked M.Benaut's suggestion that it's a hook to attach the wife to whilst the husband goes to the pub!!! Hillarious!! In fact, there is a pub just around the corner...so it could be logical!

Anyhow, we do have a clear winner...and that lucky person is Edwin from Kuala Lumpur DP with his guess that it was part of a bar to barricade one side of the street from the other. Whilst its not as detailed an answer as a later entry (from a resident of Toruń...so it doesn't count) it is nevertheless a very worthy attempt...so I am pleased to say that Edwin wins!!! I will be in touch with you in due course!!

So what was it? In the medieval times like many other cities, Toruń could be quite dangerous...especially at night. So after a certain hour, there was a curfew and the towns streets were barricaded in order to prevent unruly characters, thieves and generally bad people from being a nuisiance! It's the only evidence in the city that remains (the opposite side has long gone). It is now on the wall of an art gallery which has wooden shutters...so I can see why many people thought the connection was do with the shutters! But the metal hook has been there far, far longer!!!

Once again many thanks for all your entries!!

Competition: Guess the object...

It's competition day here at Toruń Daily Photo!!

The above photograph was taken literally 20 mins ago. It shows a metal object which is a relic from the medieval times here in Toruń. What was it used for? Why does it have a hole in the middle? Why is it sticking out of the wall? So many unanswered questions. If you think you know what the use of it was, send in your answers. The first correct response will win a printed colour photograph of any one of our past photos. So hurry and start guessing! All will be revealed tomorrow...