Malbork Castle (Poland) – the largest castle in the world – a jewel of Teutonic architecture that has withstood the test of time.

Malbork Castle is a true gem of medieval architecture and one of the most important landmarks in Poland. Covering an area of 21 hectares, it is the largest castle in the world by surface area. Its grandeur, rich history, and unique architecture attract tourists from all over the globe. Why should you visit this place? Get ready for a fascinating journey back in time!

The history of Malbork Castle – from Mary's stronghold to a Polish fortress

Originally called Marienburg (Mary's Stronghold), the castle was founded in 1274 by the Teutonic Order. Its location on the Nogat River was of key strategic importance, providing easy access to the sea and control over trade. By 1309, the castle became the seat of the grand masters of the order and the capital of the Teutonic State.

During the Battle of Grunwald in 1410, the Polish forces hoped to capture the castle, but the siege ended in failure. It wasn’t until 1457, following the Second Peace of Toruń, that Malbork came under Polish control. In the centuries that followed, the castle experienced turbulent times—it was occupied by the Swedes, served as a warehouse and barracks, and during the partitions, it came under Prussian rule. During World War II, it was severely damaged, and its reconstruction took several decades.

The architecture of the Castle – majesty and functionality

Malbork Castle is a true masterpiece of Gothic defensive architecture. The entire complex consists of three parts:

1. High Castle

This is the most representative part of the castle, built on a rectangular plan measuring 51 x 61 meters. Its construction involved approximately 12,000 tons of foundation stones and 3.5 million bricks. This part of the castle housed the commander and twelve Teutonic knights.

Its interior included the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, surrounded by cloisters, as well as the St. Anne’s Burial Chapel, the Klesza and Wróbla towers, and the gdanisko—a tower that served as a latrine.

Each brick was meticulously fired to create walls that were meant to endure for centuries. The castle’s inner courtyard was the center of monastic life, surrounded by:

• Cloisters
• Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• St. Anne’s Burial Chapel
• Klesza and Wróbla Towers

Each wing of the High Castle had a specific purpose:

• Northern Wing: Chapel, chapter house, archive
• Southern Wing: Storage, sleeping quarters, refectory
• Western Wing: Kitchen, dining room, chancery
• Eastern Wing: Initially just a thick wall

2. Middle Castle

This section served administrative and residential purposes. It included, among others, the Grand Master’s Palace and the Great Refectory, which could accommodate up to 400 knights. This spacious hall, supported by three pillars, was used for meetings and feasts. The northern part of the castle housed the infirmary, while the eastern part included guest rooms and storerooms.

The castle’s cellars currently host the Amber Museum, showcasing Poland’s largest collection of amber artifacts.

The Middle Castle is distinguished by:

• Great Refectory: A hall that could accommodate 400 knights
• Grand Master’s Palace
• Amber Museum: Featuring the most unique collection in Poland

Great Refectory: A Hall for Meetings and Feasts

Supported by three massive pillars, the Great Refectory was a venue for:

• Key diplomatic meetings
• Knights' feasts
• Official monastic ceremonies

3. Low Castle (Outer Bailey)

The lowest and youngest part of the complex served economic functions. It included:

• Stables, which could accommodate up to 400 horses,
• Brewery, granary, and the St. Lawrence Chapel,
• Karwan—an armory where weapons were stored.

The castle’s double walls and the wide moat fed by the Nogat River made it nearly impregnable.

Defense and strategies: an impregnable fortress?

Malbork Castle was not only grand but also exceptionally secure. Its double walls (a single wall on the side of the Middle Castle), wide moat fed by the Nogat River, and numerous towers formed a formidable barrier for enemies. The entrance to the High Castle was through a gate in a 13-meter recess, additionally protected by a drawbridge and portcullises. All of this made the castle practically impregnable, successfully withstanding attacks and remaining a symbol of the Teutonic Order’s might for centuries.

Remember the siege of Malbork after the Battle of Grunwald? Despite nine weeks of effort, Polish forces failed to capture it. The lack of siege machines, absence of Lithuanian support, and impressive defender supplies (enough for 40 knights and their attendants for two years!) sealed their defeat. Even the incident with a cannonball narrowly missing the central pillar of the Great Refectory during a meeting of Teutonic dignitaries speaks to the castle’s resilience and durability.

The Castle’s fate: from Marienburg to UNESCO

The original name of the castle, used by the Teutonic Order, was Marienburg (Mary’s Stronghold). From September 14, 1309, to 1457, it served as the seat of the grand masters of the Teutonic Order and the capital of the Teutonic State. Over the centuries, its ownership changed—it was under Polish, Swedish, and later Prussian control. In the 19th century, conservation works were carried out, and in the 20th century, it was rebuilt after the destruction of World War II. Today, after numerous renovations, Malbork Castle impresses with its beauty and grandeur. In December 1997, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it a source of pride for Poland and a valuable heritage for the world.

Awards and recognition of Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle is not only an icon of Polish heritage but also a building that has gained international recognition:

UNESCO List (1997): The inclusion of the castle on the UNESCO World Heritage List highlights its cultural and historical significance on a global scale.

Historic Monument (1994): In Poland, Malbork was recognized as a historic monument by the President of the Republic, confirming its unique place in the national heritage.

Europa Nostra Award: For exceptional conservation efforts that restored the castle to its former glory, the castle received accolades from organizations dedicated to protecting Europe’s cultural heritage.

Malbork Castle in culture – movies and books

Malbork Castle has often inspired creators of literature and cinema, serving as the backdrop for significant works:

Historical Films: The castle appeared in productions such as "Knights of the Teutonic Order," directed by Aleksander Ford, perfectly capturing the medieval atmosphere.

Documentaries: It has been the subject of many documentary films, including the "Polish Monuments" series and international productions about European castles.

Literature: Malbork inspired writers, including Henryk Sienkiewicz, whose novel Knights of the Teutonic Order reflects the realities of the Teutonic Order and its headquarters.

Video Games: The castle motif is used in computer games such as the "Medieval: Total War" series as an example of a Gothic fortress.

Unusual facts about Malbork Castle

The Largest Brick Structure: It is not only the largest castle in the world by surface area but also the largest brick structure in Europe.

Castle Water Clock: In medieval times, one of the castle's towers housed a water clock, an extraordinary technical achievement for its time.

Crypts for Dogs: The castle contained special burial places for the beloved dogs of the grand masters of the order, highlighting their attachment to their pets.

Mysterious Passages: The castle hides numerous underground corridors that, according to legends, led even beyond its walls—some of which are inaccessible today.

The Largest Gothic Well: Within the castle grounds is one of the largest Gothic wells in Europe, used both during sieges and daily life.

Acoustic Phenomenon: The Great Refectory has unique acoustics—a whisper in one corner of the room can be heard in the opposite corner, a feature utilized during meetings and ceremonies.

Why visit Malbork?

Visiting Malbork Castle allows you to feel as if you’ve stepped into a medieval fortress—from majestic cloisters to massive defensive walls. This place offers both an educational journey into the past and aesthetic admiration for the builders' craftsmanship.

Touring the castle is also an excellent opportunity to discover the unique culture of the Teutonic Order and learn about Polish history from a completely new perspective. For Gothic architecture enthusiasts, Malbork is an absolute "must-see."