By far the most famous resident to come out of Toruń, this 1853 statue of Nicolaus Copernicus is probably the most famous monument based on his likeness and is an essential photo opportunity for all visitors!
Towering behind Copernicus is the 14th-century gothic Old Town Hall, whose gallery features the famous 'Toruń portrait' of the astronomer.
Plans for a Copernicus monument had long been in the works. Most notably, Napoleon Bonaparte, who visited Toruń in 1807, expressed his surprise that no commemorations of Copernicus yet existed in the city. With the assistance of Polish Enlightenment figure Stanisław Staszic, plans for a monument were put into action, and Napoleon commissioned Danish-Icelandic sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen 1809 to do the job. However, Napoleon's demise and the collapse of the Duchy of Warsaw stiffled the initiative. Ultimately, Thorvaldsen's work was placed in Russian-controlled Warsaw in 1830 at the city's university.
With Toruń now under Prussian rule, a new initiative by local residents began with funding by donation. Its largest sum came from Prussian King Frederick William IV, who was responsible for 33%. The monument was erected in 1853, designed by German sculptor Christian Friedrich Tieck. Shown wearing academic dress, Copernicus holds an astrolabe in his left hand, whilst pointing to the heavens with his right. The Latin inscription by Alexander von Humboldt says:
"Nicolaus Copernicus Thorunensis, terrae motor, solis caelique stator." Nicolaus Copernicus of Thorun, mover of the earth, stopper of the sun and heavens.
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