Malbork Castle - The Largest Teutonic Fortress in Poland: History and Attractions

Martyna Ługowska

13.03.2025 1014

This monumental fortress with a rich history is a priceless monument of cultural heritage of world importance. Its unique architectural values ​​were appreciated in 1997, when the castle was entered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, providing it with special protection.

Testimony of the Power of the Teutonic Order

The history of this extraordinary place dates back to the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. In 1309, the castle, which was intensively expanded, was promoted to the role of the capital of one of the most powerful states on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea – the Teutonic Order. This forty-year expansion transformed the conventual house into a strongly fortified High Castle, surrounded by moats and defensive walls. Its interiors contained representative rooms, such as the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Chapel of St. Anne, the burial place of the Grand Masters.

The Sub-castle also underwent expansion, becoming the spacious Middle Castle, accessible to knights from Western Europe. It included the Great Refectory, Infirmary and the Palace of the Grand Masters. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Low Castle, known as the Sub-castle, was built, with a Karwan, a granary and utility buildings.

A Pearl of Medieval Architecture and a Witness to Turbulent History

In 1457, during the Thirteen Years' War, the castle was taken over by Polish troops and came under Polish jurisdiction. For centuries, it served Polish kings, becoming an important economic and military center of the Republic. However, over time, the castle began to fall into neglect, and its maintenance became increasingly expensive.

In the 17th century, some rooms of the Grand Masters' Palace were adapted into royal apartments. The Swedish wars did not cause any major losses, but in 1644 a fire destroyed the roofs of the High Castle. Subsequent renovations were carried out with delays, which led to the collapse of the vaults in 1675. It was not until the mid-18th century that the castle regained its former glory.

In 1772, Malbork was occupied by Prussian troops, who set up barracks and military warehouses in the castle. Demolition work began, which fortunately was stopped in 1804 thanks to protests from lovers of monuments.

In the 19th century, a major reconstruction of the castle began, which lasted for several decades. The work was carried out by outstanding architects and conservators, who meticulously recreated the former appearance of the fortress. The castle regained its Gothic character and became an important center of culture and tourism.

The Castle Today: Museum and Cultural Center

After World War II, in 1945, the castle returned to Polish hands. Since 1961, the Castle Museum has been operating here, collecting and sharing valuable collections of art and history. The museum also organizes numerous exhibitions and cultural events, attracting over half a million tourists from all over the world each year.

Malbork Castle is not only a museum, but also a meeting place for scientists, artists, politicians and journalists. It is also a popular setting for films and concerts. It is a place that everyone should visit to see with their own eyes the testimony of the power of the Teutonic Order and the rich history of Poland.