We told you what you need to know about Malbork Castle, the largest castle in the world.
Many wars have taken place in the history of the world. Empires, kingdoms, and communities built castles to protect peoples and their states from the war that the enemy would bring. Some of these forts managed to keep the enemy out, while others were devastated during the war. However, some old castles have survived to the present day. One of these castles is Malbork Castle, which has the title of “the largest castle in the world”. That’s why we told you what you need to know about Malbork Castle.
The construction of Malbork Castle, the largest castle in the world, was completed in 1406
Malbork Castle, the largest castle in the world with its surface area, was built in Prussia by the Teutonic Knights, a Crusader Catholic German sect, in the form of an Ordensburg castle. The town that grew around the castle in Poland was named Marienburg, which means “Mary’s Fortress” in Turkish. Completed in 1406, the castle features classical medieval architecture. It has also been known as the largest brick castle in the world since its completion.
Malbork Castle was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. There is another World Heritage Site in the area. The other is the Medieval City of Toruń, founded in 1231.
Who are the Teutonic Knights?
The Teutonic Knights, whose full name is “Hospital of St. Mary of Jerusalem and the Order of the Teutonic Knights”, is a Teutonic-Roman religious sect founded in 1190. The purpose of the sect was to help Catholic pilgrims on their pilgrimage and to establish hospitals to care for sick and injured Catholics. But the order, which consisted mostly of German knights, began to do much more. The Teutonic Knights participated in the Crusades during the Middle Ages. Later they collected taxes in various places and took part in some wars. The sect, which did these and much more, lost its original purpose over time. However, the Teutonic Knights managed to maintain their existence in Europe for nearly 800 years despite all this.
Malbork Castle was built in the 15th century during the 30 Years’ War by Polish King IV. Sold to Kasimir
After Malbork Castle was built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, it was used by them for a while. It also served as a monastery for a while. However, the castle, located on the east bank of the Nogat River, was conquered by the Polish King IV during the 30 Years War in the 15th century. Sold to Kasimir. The fort later became both a military base and a royal site.
Malbork Castle, the largest castle in the world, has seen dozens of battles and received a lot of damage
The castle, which was completed in the 13th century and grew day by day just like a human being, witnessed many wars and received various damages. But there is no doubt that it was the period of World War II when it suffered the most damage. Malbork Castle was under Nazi control throughout World War II. During this period, more than half of the castle was destroyed. At the end of the war, the city of Malbork and the castle became part of Poland again. The castle was restored in 1962 after a fire in 1959, which caused further damage, and most of the castle has been rebuilt with the restoration still in progress.
The castle has been used as a museum since 1961
Malbork Castle was converted into a museum in 1961. Inside the museum, ancient art and royal artifacts, scientific works, various collections and many things related to the Teutonic Order are exhibited. One of the most unique pieces in the museum are the amber artworks. Malbork Castle Museum also houses more than 40 thousand pieces. This makes it one of the leading museums in Europe.
It’s not just the unique pieces on display inside that make Malbork Castle a major attraction. In addition, the castle and the parts used during its construction are one of the most beautiful examples of gothic architecture. Anyone who goes to Poland should definitely visit this castle. But let’s give a little warning; The castle covers an area of 143,591 square meters. So it can take hours to visit the whole castle.