Toruń is preparing a large-scale programme of renovation and redevelopment of its most valuable sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The result of a specially developed project will be a completely new route ‘The 7 Wonders of Toruń’, i.e. a route leading through the priceless monuments of the local Old Town. The European Union has subsidised this to the tune of more than PLN 48.5 million, while the total cost is more than PLN 68 million.
A new impulse for the monuments of Toruń
Seven buildings in the city centre will undergo thorough renovation under the watchful eye of a conservator. The work will include, among others, the Teutonic Castle, Artus Court, the Old Town Hall, the Esken House and the churches of St James, St John the Baptist and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The aim of the whole project is to introduce a number of facilities for those hanging up these monuments. Interestingly, some of their spaces will be opened to tourists for the first time!
The ‘7 Wonders of Toruń – a trail of unique monuments in the UNESCO area’ project
The project will result in the introduction of solutions to facilitate sightseeing for people with different needs. The plans include an application allowing the route to be walked digitally, interactive boards, multimedia equipment and audio guides. Tools to participate in online events will also be part of the overall project, which will open up completely new possibilities for people with mobility difficulties.
Training and competence development
An equally important part of the project is an extensive training programme for people working in Toruń’s cultural institutions. Participants will deal with issues related to management, fundraising, designing a tourist offer or using digital technologies. A strategy for the promotion of individual sites and places associated with the route will also be prepared.
The ‘7 Wonders of Toruń’ festival
Once all the modernisation work has been completed, activities aimed at residents and visitors from at home and abroad will begin. One of the elements will be the ‘7 Wonders of Toruń’ festival organised during European Heritage Days. Educational initiatives for schoolchildren and programmes combining local themes with the history of the city will also be on offer.
The seven sub-projects which make up the whole
The scope of work is divided into seven parts. They include the restoration of the Teutonic Castle, the adaptation of Artus Court to cater for tourist traffic, the modernisation of the Old Town Hall and the Esken House, the renovation of the interior of St James’ Church, conservation work at St John’s Cathedral and work on the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The final element of the project is the management of the entire project and communication with the public.
The ‘7 Wonders of Toruń’ trail – for whom?
The implementation of the programme will open up the Old Town monuments to citizens of all ages, people with disabilities, tourists from Poland and abroad, families, students, seniors, cultural workers, local entrepreneurs and the educational community. The ‘7 Wonders of Toruń – a trail of unique monuments in a UNESCO area’ project will make it possible to get to know the heritage of the city in an attractive and accessible form and will create space for culture and education. Thanks to this ambitious work, Toruń will receive a route that will introduce visitors to the world of its most valuable sites.
Source: torun.pl
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