Malbork Castle (Zamek w Malborku), originally known by its German name Marienburg, is a masterpiece of defensive architecture and the largest castle in the world measured by land area. Covering a staggering 21 hectares (52 acres), this UNESCO World Heritage site is the supreme example of a medieval brick castle. It was built by the Teutonic Knights, a German Roman Catholic religious order of crusaders, and served as their headquarters for over 150 years.
History: The Headquarters of the Crusades
Construction began around 1274 after the suppression of the Great Prussian Uprising. The castle was expanded several times to house the growing number of knights. In 1309, the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order moved his seat from Venice to Malbork, elevating the fortress to the capital of one of the most powerful states on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea.
- Three Castles in One: The complex consists of three distinct sections: the High Castle (the monastery), the Middle Castle (housing the Grand Master's Palace), and the Lower Castle (the outer bailey with armories and workshops).
- WWII Destruction: During World War II, the castle was heavily damaged, with nearly 50% of the structure destroyed. It has since been meticulously restored by the Polish state, a project that continues to this day.
Architecture: A Brick Behemoth
Malbork is estimated to contain over 30 million bricks. Its defensive walls, moats, and towers were designed to withstand long sieges. The castle features an innovative central heating system for the time, where heat from large furnaces in the cellar was channeled through ducts to warm the floors of the Great Hall and the Grand Master's chambers.
The Grand Master's Palace
The residence of the Grand Master is one of the finest achievements of Gothic secular architecture.
- The Summer Refectory: A light-filled hall with a vaulted ceiling supported by a single slender granite pillar. A cannonball fired during the siege of 1410 remains embedded in the wall above the fireplace—legend says it was aimed at this pillar to collapse the roof on the knights during a feast.
- The Amber Collection: The castle museum houses one of the largest collections of amber artifacts in the world, reflecting the region's historic trade in "Baltic Gold."
Visitor Tips
- Plan a Full Day: The castle is enormous. A standard tour takes 3.5 to 4 hours. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Audio Guide: The ticket includes a GPS-triggered audio guide which is essential for navigating the complex maze of courtyards and rooms.
- Train Access: Malbork is easily accessible by train from Gdańsk (approx. 30-45 minutes), making it a perfect day trip.