Print this page

A fortified Teutonic Knights castle sited upon River Nogat started about 1270 to be completed in 1404. In 1309 the castle became the seat of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights' Order which had its former residence in Venice. The High Castle, the oldest part of the building, was erected in the years 1275-1300; it has a regular quadrangle in plan. Reconstructed and reshaped in the 14th century, the castle became one of the greatest Gothic fortified complexes in Europe. In spite of the last war damages, the fortress preserved magnificent interior decorations including the Great Refectory with its sumptuous starlit vaulting. The Malbork castle is a classical example of a medieval fortress, one of the best of its kind in entire Europe. Together with a system of multiple defense walls with gates and towers, covering over 80 acres, it is one of the largest such strongholds in the world. The castle itself is divided into three major parts; the oldest section is the rectangular High Castle with arcaded courtyard containing among others refectory, chapterhouse, St. Mary's chapel and treasury. In 14th century the old forecastle was converted into the Mid Castle with the Grand Refectory, The Knights' Hall and the Palace of the Grand Master. The Lower Castle encompassed the armory and the St. Lawrence Church. The castle interiors house several exhibitions, including a permanent exhibition detailing the castle's history, together with collections of medieval sculpture, stained-glass windows, coins and medals, weaponry, iron and foundrywork, pottery, tapestries, as well as a priceless collection of amber art. In the summer, sons et lumiere spectacles are held in the castle courtyards.