Castle of the Teutonic Order

in Malbork MULTILATERAL SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS

„SHOWING OUR WORLD HERITAGE”COMENIUS 2013 - 2015

ITALY, 2014

The city of Malbork is located in Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. Both the castle and the town were named after their saint patron,

theVirgin Mary. Malbork lies on the Nogat River (Vistula's arm) and isdominated by a Teutonic 13th century castle which was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1997.The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork is the largest castle in the world by surface area, and the largest brick building in Europe.

The defence center of Malbork was built in a place of unique natural defensive

capabilities. It was built on the northern end of the narrow peninsula, surrounded by the both sides by the river Nogat and an extensive marshy valley. Only by the south side there existed convenient entrance, which was limited by building the centre of defensive walls and moats. The highest landmark was located in a place of modern High Castle. Here exactly, in 1278, the Teutonic Order’s knights begun raising the castle.

The location of the castle

The Teutonic KnightsThe Teutonic Knights or the Teutonic Order of the Hospital of St. Mary in Jerusalem, were known in Poland as Krzyżacy on account of the black cross they wore on their white coats. Established in 1190 to protect German pilgrims in the Holy Land, the order was later transformed in order to fight heretics.In 1226 the Teutonic Knights came to Chełmno in Poland, invited by Duke Konrad I of Mazovia to convert the pagan Prussians. They conquered Prussia, exterminated the locals and founded a state with Malbork as its capital.

History1278 – 1309

the building of the castle

In 1278 the Teutonic Knights started to build a castle and an adjacent town on a high Nogat bank. Within less than 30 years a square convent house was completed. When, in 1309, the Grand Master transferred his headquarters from Venice to Malbork, it became the capital of one of the most powerful states on the Baltic's southern coast.

1309 - 1457Malbork Castle, becoming the headquarters of the Grand Master and the Chapter of the Order, received the grand design of sculpture and painting. Castle testified about the power of Order and were supposed to impress guests from Western Europe. In the Castle Museum of Malbork, you can find among others:

High Castle St. Anna Chapel Chapterhouse Dormitories Castle Church of the Blessed Virgin

Mary The refectory of the Convention

 

The residence of Teutonic Knights

Middle CastleGreat RefectoryA medieval heating systemAn exhibition of weapons and armamentsThe cellars under the Palace of the Grand MastersAn exhibition of amber: Halberd HallPalace of Grand Masters

1457 - 1772The residence of Polish kings

 

During the thirteen years' war the complex was sold to the Polish king – Kazimierz Jagiellończyk by the prize of 660 kilogrammes of gold. On the 7th of June 1457 the emperor with his company arrived to the castle.

In 1618, the castle church was taken over by Jesuits and later its inside was renovated in baroque style.

In 1626, the castle was attacked and canqered by the Swedish army. However, ten years later the occupants left the complex and it became the residence of Polish kings again.

The renovated castle’s roof was burntin the following years. However, in the years of August II’s reign it was repaired.13th September 1772 the castle was taken over by Prussians.

Later eventsOvertaking the castle by Prussians caused significant deterioration of the castle – almost all of the gothic ceilings were destroyed, a lot of gates and walls were demolished on purpose of gaining timber. In 1817 there was made a decision about reconstruction of the castle which took about 120 years. During the second world war about 50% of renovated castle was demolished, therefore after the ending of the conflict, people started considering demolition of the whole complex. However, the decision was changed and another reconstruction of the castle has begun. Now conservators also are trying to restore its medivial apperance.

1997UNESCO Heritage

ListMalbork Castle, a symbol of power and cultural tradition, is the most important monument to the monastic state of the Teutonic Knights, a unique phenomenon in the history of western civilization. The

Castle is at the same time the major material manifestation of the Crusades in eastern Europe, the forced baptism of

the Baltic people, and the colonization of their tribal

territories, which played a vital role in the history of

Europe.

Castle’s museum

historical games;

visit the castle at night;

The castle in Malbork is open for tourists, there are also organisated events of many kinds:

Knight’s battles shows;

movie adventure;

hall rental;

visit the castle with a Polish or an English guide

Sources: www.en.wikipedia.org www.malbork7.pl www.zamek.malbork.pl www.zamek.malbork.com.pl www.malbork.naszemiasto.pl www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malbork_Castle www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN1_-_m7ysA www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DrXgj1NwN8

Elaboration: Martyna Sobczak, 1d Agata Bielenica, 1d Julia Zamojska, 1c

Cooperation:Małgorzata Kosińska - Project coordinator, English teacher (text & translation)Bogumiła Bajbak - Ąrt teacher (project)

Nicolaus Copernicus Middle School no. 2. in Olecko