Pomeranian Adventure Tour -- Malbork

Malbork, or Marienburg, a small town in northern Poland with a population of 41,000, is noted for its Gothic castle founded by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. Both the castle and the town of Marienburg (Malbork) were named for their patron saint, the Virgin Mary. This fortified castle became the seat of the Teutonic Order and Europe's largest Gothic fortress.

Under construction for nearly 230 years, Marienburg Castle, or Malbork Castle, is actually three castles nested in one another -- the High, Middle and Low castles, separated by multiple dry moats and towers.  It was the largest fortified Gothic building in Europe, and is the world's largest brick castle. The outermost castle walls enclose 52 acres. The castle was in the process of being restored when World War II broke out, but during the war over 50% of the castle was destroyed. Restoration has been going on since the war, with most of the castle restored except for the main cathedral in the castle.  There are some differing views on whether the cathedral should be restored, or if it should be kept in its present state as a reminder and memorial to the war. The castle and its museum are listed as UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

The castle was located on the river Nogat and its relatively flat surrounding allowed for easy access by barges and trading ships. The Teutonic Knights collected river tolls on passing ships, and imposed a monopoly on the trade of amber. When the city became a member of the Hanseatic League, many Hanseatic meetings were held in Marienburg.

During the Thirteen Years' War, the castle was sold to King Casimir IV Jagiellon of Poland by the Bohemian king's imperial soldiers, as a substitute for their wages. The castle and town passed to Polish control in 1466 as part of the province of Royal Prussia.

Click on the picture to enlarge it.

Malbork is located on the east bank of the river Nogat.

Entrance to Malbork Castle, built by the Teutonic Knights starting in 1274

Some of the spires of the castle

Top of the Middle Castle - Infirmery

Castle and town named after Virgin Mary

Section above main gate used for defense

The ante-gate of the Middle Castle

Courtyard in Outer Castle

Outbuildings in Outer Castle

Tower of the High Castle

Statutes of the four Grand Masters that ruled the castle over the years

Ceiling in castle

Many long and narrow hallways

A flag of the teutonic knights in the Grand Refectory

The Grand Refectory in the Grand Palace

Fireplace in the Grand Refectory

Main support pillar in the Grand Refectory

Canonball lodged in wall of Grand Refectory during battle. It was aimed by the enemey to hit the main support pillar but missed by inches

Artwork in Grand Refectory

Statue of Pelican -- a symbol of Jesus Christ

Well in castle

Eating area of monks in High Castle. Only monks were allowed into High Castle

Cooking area for monks

Wine for the monks

Dishes used by monks

Herbs and spices used in cooking

More dishes

Battering ram

Large hall used for confession

Toilet used by monks

Beth Marshall checking out the toilet

Floor grate directly over moat for urination

Old picture of castle in museum

Picture showing devastation of WWII and restoration

Inside of main cathedral that has not been restored

Walls in cathedral

Interior of unrestored cathedral (Photo courtesy of the Marshalls)

Outside of castle

Outside of high castle

Outside of Middle Castle

The "Kurza Stopa" (Hen's Foot) Tower of the Middle Castle

Sausages cooking for lunch outside of the castle

Having lunch and a Warka beer after the tour

Costumes of the knights (Photo courtesy of the Marshalls)

Sheila Watts in period headpiece (Photo courtesy of the Marshalls)

Water tower in Marlbork (Photo courtesy of the Marshalls)

Tools of war (Photo courtesy of the Marshalls)

Marlbork castle door (Photo courtesy of the Marshalls)

A "Teutonic Knight" selling his wares (Photo courtesy of the Marshalls)

Members of the Polish Navy visiting Malbork Castle (Photo courtesy of the Marshalls)

McDonalds in Marlbork (Photo courtesy of the Marshalls)