Thorn, the white town. Thorn – referred to as the witte stadje or ‘white town’ – evolved from an abbey into the capital of a pocket-sized, independent principality. For more than 800 years, it was ruled by women of noble birth, headed by a princess-abbess. This bastion of matriarchal rule, which had its own mint, its own small army and its own rule of law, survived intact until the arrival of the French at the end of the 18th century. Traces of its princely past can still be found in many places today.
The historic heart of the town is a listed monument. Savour the atmosphere of bygone days as you stroll through the picturesque streets and alleyways with their white houses and the characteristic cobbled paving. The impressive, beautifully restored Abbey Church should not be missed.
Below our different guided tours of Thorn: