Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle is the former capital of the Teutonic Order state, rising on the right bank of the Nogat River. It is regarded as one of the largest defensive complexes in the world by area and is among the most important monuments in Poland. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

How was Malbork Castle built?

Construction began around 1280, and successive stages of expansion continued until the middle of the 15th century. At first it was a convent castle for a local commander of the Teutonic Order. The turning point came in 1309, when Grand Master Siegfried von Feuchtwangen moved the Order's capital from Venice to Malbork. A simple fortress became a seat of power, and its scale reflected that new role.

What are the main parts of the castle?

The complex has three principal parts: the High Castle, the Middle Castle and the sprawling Lower Castle with its fortifications. The High Castle served as a monastery and the last line of defence, the Middle Castle was the formal seat of the Order's authorities, and the outer ward held workshops, storehouses and other practical buildings. Walking through the successive courtyards shows how this medieval administrative, military and religious centre worked. The Palace of the Grand Masters is especially impressive and counts among the finest examples of Gothic secular architecture in Europe. The whole castle is built of brick, which gives the walls their warm, distinctive colour.

Who ruled here after the Teutonic Knights?

The Order resided in Malbork until 1457, ruling the Monastic State of the Teutonic Order from here. Afterwards the castle became a residence of the Kings of Poland and remained one until 1772. From 1466 it was also the seat of the authorities of Royal Prussia, and from 1568 of the Maritime Commission. In 1772 it was taken over by the administration of the Kingdom of Prussia, which began a period of damage: between 1773 and 1804 the castle was badly neglected and devastated.

Reconstruction and the 20th century

The castle has been rebuilt many times. Work took place between 1817 and 1842, then from 1882 to 1944, restoring the building's Gothic form. In 1945, during the war, it was heavily damaged, and reconstruction began again in 1947. The castle was entered in the register of monuments in 1949 and designated a Monument of History in 1994. Since 1961 it has housed the Malbork Castle Museum.

What to see during a visit

The museum presents rich collections, including amber, weapons and everyday objects of the past, as well as exhibitions on the castle's history and restoration. Along the way, look out for architectural details such as vaults, portals and brick patterns on the walls. The route is long, so plan to spend several hours. An audio guide is available and helps explain the history of individual interiors. The castle can be crowded in summer, so morning or late afternoon visits are calmer. Comfortable shoes are essential, because there are many stairs and courtyards to cover.

Frequently asked questions

Is Malbork Castle the largest in the world? It is often described as the largest castle in the world by area, and it is certainly among the largest brick fortifications.

How long does a visit take? A full visit with the audio guide usually takes several hours, so it is worth setting aside half a day.

Is the castle original? Much of it is the result of long reconstruction, because the castle suffered damage in the 18th century and during the Second World War. The walls and layout still show its medieval character.

Why is it on the UNESCO list? It is an outstanding example of Gothic defensive architecture and the seat of a military religious order, and it illustrates the history of the former Prussian lands.

How do I get there from Gdansk? Malbork lies on the railway line from Gdansk. The journey takes about an hour, and the castle is within walking distance of the station.