The Malbork Castle, known as „Zamek w Malborku” in Polish, is a 13th-century Teutonic castle and fortress located near the town of Malbork, Poland. It holds the distinction of being the largest castle in the world measured by land area and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The castle was originally constructed by the Teutonic Knights, a German Catholic religious order of crusaders, in the form of an Ordensburg fortress. The Order named it Marienburg in honor of Mary, mother of Jesus. In 1457, during the Thirteen Years’ War, it was sold by Bohemian mercenaries to King Casimir IV of Poland in lieu of indemnities. From then on, it served as one of several Polish royal residences and the seat of Polish offices and institutions, interrupted by several years of Swedish occupation.
The castle is a classic example of a medieval fortress and, on its completion in 1406, was the world’s largest brick castle. The castle has several subdivisions and numerous layers of defensive walls. It consists of three separate castles – the High, Middle, and Lower Castles, separated by multiple dry moats and towers. The castle once housed approximately 3,000 „brothers in arms”. The outermost castle walls enclose 21 hectares (52 acres), four times the enclosed area of Windsor Castle.
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The Malbork Castle, a colossal fortress in Poland, stands as the world’s largest castle by land area. This 13th-century Teutonic castle, located near the town of Malbork, is a testament to the architectural prowess and military might of the Teutonic Knights, a German Catholic religious order of crusaders. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle’s grandeur and historical significance make it one of Europe’s most impressive fortresses.
The castle was originally constructed as an Ordensburg fortress by the Teutonic Knights, who named it Marienburg in honor of Mary, mother of Jesus. The castle’s construction period, while a point of debate among historians, is generally accepted to have spanned 132 years between 1274 and 1406. Upon its completion, it was the world’s largest brick castle, a title it still holds today.
In 1457, during the Thirteen Years’ War, the castle changed hands. Bohemian mercenaries sold it to King Casimir IV of Poland in lieu of indemnities. From then on, it served as one of several Polish royal residences and the seat of Polish offices and institutions, a role it fulfilled until the First Partition of Poland in 1772. Despite periods of Swedish occupation, the castle remained a significant Polish stronghold for over 300 years.
The castle’s architecture is a classic example of a medieval fortress. It comprises three separate castles – the High, Middle, and Lower Castles, each separated by multiple dry moats and towers. The castle once housed approximately 3,000 „brothers in arms”, and its outermost walls enclose a staggering 21 hectares (52 acres), four times the enclosed area of Windsor Castle.
The castle’s strategic location on the river Nogat allowed easy access by barges and trading ships arriving from the Vistula and the Baltic Sea. During their governance, the Teutonic Knights collected river tolls from passing ships, as did other castles along the rivers. They controlled a monopoly on the trade of amber. When the city became a member of the Hanseatic League, many Hanseatic meetings were held there.
Today, the Malbork Castle stands as a symbol of Poland’s rich history and architectural grandeur. It continues to attract visitors from around the world, who marvel at its size, its well-preserved Gothic architecture, and its historical significance. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a curious traveler, the Malbork Castle is a must-visit destination on any trip to Poland.
All photos taken from pinterest.com