Malbork Castle the Teutonic monument tickets, information, facts

Malbork Castle (Marienburg) is a Gothic Teutonic castle situated on the right bank of the Nogat River in the Pomeranian Voivodeship.

The Malbork Castle has witnessed countless events throughout its entire existence, and its history is as intricate and variable as that of any other fortress in Poland. For almost a century and a half, it served as the residence of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order and the highest authorities of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It remains to this day the largest brick-built fortress in Europe.

The fortress in Malbork (Marienburg castle) also served as a residence for Polish kings and German emperors. At a certain point in its history, the Malbork Castle was considered a place where such vast quantities of weapons were amassed that it became the best-equipped arsenal of its time.

However, it’s not only its ancient history that makes Malbork Castle a unique structure. In the 20th century, during wartime, the castle was nearly destroyed. During its reconstruction, incredible efforts were made to restore the old fortress to its former glory. Modern and innovative reconstruction techniques were employed, which continue to serve as a model for architects worldwide to this day. Some of these solutions appear in textbooks related to the subject as examples of highly effective conservation and construction practices.

The history and complicated fate of the Castle in Malbork Marienburg

The history of Malbork Castle began in 1280, shortly after the conquest of Eastern Prussia. It was at this time that the decision was made to establish a religious state governed by the Teutonic Knights. Around the same time, the authorities of the Teutonic Order decided to build a castle on the banks of the Nogat River. The castle was intended to serve as the residence of the local commander, known as the komtur, who commanded the Orders house.

The location and significance of the castle proved to be so important that in 1309, the then Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, Siegfried von Feuchtwangen, declared Malbork as the capital of the Teutonic State, one of the most powerful entities in Europe at the time. From that point on, Malbork Castle played a pivotal role in numerous events and held tremendous importance. It’s no wonder that the Teutonic Knights did everything in their power to make the castle impregnable.

As the castle’s role expanded, the fortress and its surrounding fortifications underwent significant expansion. Over time, the defensive system of the castle was connected with the walls that surrounded the town of Malbork. New rings of fortifications, deep moats, and defensive towers were constructed, all while the interior of the castle continued to grow.

The former outer bailey transformed into a middle castle, which served as the venue for receptions and official meetings between the Order’s authorities and their guests. During this time, the castle welcomed the most renowned knights of the era, and often kings along with the highest nobility.

Malbork Castle and its timeline from the Middle Ages to the present day

The history of the Malbork Castle Marienburg is easiest to follow by developing it on a timeline.

• 1280 – Commencement of the construction of Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle).
• 1309 – The Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, Siegfried von Feuchtwangen, relocates his office to Malbork Castle. This makes Malbork the capital of the most powerful state in this part of Europe.
• The first half of the 14th century – Expansion of the middle castle.
• Late 14th century – Expansion of the third part of the castle, the Low Castle, also known as the outer bailey. It housed a granary, warehouses, an armoury, stables, and a chapel for the castle’s staff.
• 1410 – After the Battle of Grunwald, Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) was besieged by Polish-Lithuanian forces under the leadership of King Władysław Jagiełło.
• 1414 – The Plauen Wall and shell towers were built to reinforce the castle’s fortifications.
• 1418 – The New Gate, known as the Sand Gate, is constructed.
• 1457 – During the Thirteen Years’ War, Polish forces occupy Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle).
• 17th century – The fortress undergoes reorganization. The High Castle ceases to be a monastery and becomes a massive storage facility. Administrative offices and officials occupy the middle castle. The outer bailey takes on a purely military function. The castle towers and bastions are militarized and equipped with cannons and gunpowder stores.
• 1565 – Castle records mention neglect and the urgent need for repairs. Maintaining such a massive fortress incurred significant costs.
• 17th century – Some rooms in the High Castle are converted to royal flats.
• 1626 – Malbork Castle is besieged by Swedish forces commanded by Gustavus Adolphus. The defence of the castle is led by Deputy Wojciech Pęczławski. Despite having only a few hundred men at his disposal and a treacherous city mayor who let the Swedes into the town, the castle’s defence was fierce, and the garrison repelled the attacks of several thousand assailants. After an honourable surrender, the Swedes, in admiration of the defenders’ courage and valour, released them unharmed.
• 1635 – After the armistice with the Swedes, Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) returns to Polish hands.
• 1644 – A massive fire breaks out in the High Castle and engulfs its roof.
• 1647 – Reconstruction of the roof over the castle church begins.
• 1656 – The castle is once again besieged by the Swedes during the Swedish Deluge.
• 1675 – Due to errors during renovation, the roof in the southern wing of the castle collapsed.
• Mid-18th century – It is only now that the reconstruction of the roof in the High Castle is successfully completed, along with the refurbishment of the castle’s towers.
• 1772 – After the First Partition of Poland, Prussian forces entered Malbork. The city, along with the castle, was annexed to the new province of West Prussia. The castle was converted into barracks, leading to significant damage. Old walls and historic vaults were demolished, and old windows were replaced with new ones.
• 1801 – Another reconstruction of the castle began, this time intending to turn it into a massive storage facility, resulting in further irreversible damage.
• 1807 – French troops entered the castle, and a few months later, Napoleon Bonaparte himself visited.
• 1817 – Mass protests led to a change in the perception of the castle, and plans for its restoration began to emerge.
• 1872 – A monument to King Frederick the Great of Prussia was unveiled in the outer bailey. The monument was destroyed after World War II.
• 1899 – Two massive fires broke out in Malbork, destroying a large part of the old town and a section of the castle.
• 1911 – The City Park was established north of the castle.
• 1920 – In a plebiscite, the residents of Malbork voted in favour of joining Germany.
• 1945 – During the fighting between the Red Army and the Wehrmacht, over 80 percent of Malbork’s buildings and 50 percent of the castle’s surface were destroyed.
• 1946 – The castle was placed under the management of the Polish Army, and a museum of the Polish Army was established in the surviving part of the monument.
• 1951 – Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) came under the control of local administration.
• 1961 – Reconstruction work on the castle commenced. Two old paintings depicting the original appearance of the castle helped in the restoration.
• 1997 – Malbork Castle was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• 2007 – In a plebiscite organized by “Rzeczpospolita“, Malbork Castle was recognized as one of the 7 Wonders of Poland of all time.

Just as important as its defensive and military functions, Malbork Castle played a significant representational role. During the reconstruction of the fortress, the Teutonic Knights placed great emphasis on a series of rooms and buildings designed to showcase the power and wealth of their religious state.

Thanks to the combination of military power with the latest technical and artistic solutions, the castle in Malbork became a monument and symbol of power, as well as the tradition of the Teutonic Order. At the same time, however, the Malbork Castle is a dark testimony to the crusades conducted by the Church in Eastern Europe, during which the Baltic peoples were forcibly converted, and entire territories were colonized using violence and terror.

The most distinguished guests who visited the Teutonic State were received at Malbork Castle. Kings, the highest nobility and the flower of medieval European chivalry visited here, and the hosts proudly opened the gates of the largest castle in the world before them.

Unfortunately, along with the power and authority that the Order gained in this part of Europe, there came a decline in the old moral principles and noble goals that guided the monks in the past. Violence, cruelty, and corruption spilled over onto lands occupied by the Knights. This was a sign heralding the imminent collapse of the vision of a world ruled by the Church.

Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) and the most important parts

The Malbork Castle is divided into three parts, following the tradition of the time:

High Castle (Teutonic order’s residence)

• Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• Chapel of St. Anne
• Chapter House
• Convent Kitchen
• Refectory
• Gdanisko Tower (Castle Toilet)
• Klesza Tower
• Shoemaker’s Gate
• Mill

Middle Castle (Grand master’s residence)

• Grand Master’s Palace
• Grand Refectory
• Infirmary
• Kurza Stopa Tower (Castle Toilet)
• Chapel of St. Bartholomew
• Great Komturia
• Small Gdanisko

Low Castle (Outer bailey and fortifications)

• Church of St. Lawrence (for castle staff)
• St. Lawrence Gate
• Maślankowa Tower
• North Gate
• Szarysz Tower
• Trójścienna Tower
• Prochowa Tower
• Karwan (former Teutonic armory)
• Wójtowska Tower
• Main Gate
• Podstarości Tower
• Ku Miastu Tower
• Furta Gate
• New Gate
• Mostowa Tower (two towers facing the Nogat River, symbolizing this part of the castle)
• St. Nicholas Gate
• von Plauen Walls

Visiting Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) and its attractions is best done in the early morning to beat the crowds. The grand Teutonic castle attracts thousands of tourists, especially in the summer, and exploring it in such conditions may not be particularly comfortable, not to mention trying to take good photos.

Apparently, introducing stricter limits on the simultaneous number of visitors may affect ticket revenues, which could make it a risky move from the perspective of the monument’s owners.

At the beginning, you’ll have two options: guided tours or self-guided exploration. While I, personally, prefer exploring old castles on my own, this time I recommend the guided tour option. The castle is enormous and filled with fascinating stories and trivia that you’ll best appreciate when touring with someone who is knowledgeable about the subject. Moreover, the guides in Malbork are competent and deeply connected to this extraordinary place.

Touring the castle will take approximately 3 hours, give or take an hour, depending on how thoroughly you would like to explore what’s on display. Keep in mind to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing as the castle’s rooms and underground areas can be quite chilly, and the weather can be unpredictable. It’s also a good idea to bring water and some snacks with you.

Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) and green routes, the most important exhibitions

A very interesting route called the green one has been prepared for visitors. It covers the external areas of the castle on the Nogat River, which leads through part of the outer ward, as well as the courtyards of the middle and high castle. In addition, on the green route you will see gates, passages, a moat, St. Anne’s Chapel, as well as terraces and gardens of the grand masters.

The green route does not include the interior of the castle. However, you can have a closer look at the architecture of the old castle and its individual parts. It’s a very intriguing proposal if you don’t have time to visit the entire castle.

The historical route is a combination of the green route and the most important parts of Malbork Castle. By following this route, you will reach the Great Refectory and upstairs to the Palace of the Grand Masters. Thanks to this part of the tour, you will be able to confidently say that you have seen a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Then you will reach the High Castle, which was the main seat of the Teutonic Order. It was from this place that all activities concerning Prussia and Pomerania were directed. There is a burial chapel of grand masters, a main courtyard, charming cloisters leading to the Chapter House and, of course, the famous church of Our Lady.

The castle halls are filled with a whole host of thematic exhibitions, both permanent and temporary. Below I will mention those that we liked the most.

Malbork (Marienburg castle) and amber collections

Amber was critical to the Teutonic Order. The monks had a monopoly on its extraction and trade, and many items in the castle were made from this beautiful material.

In the castle you can see a very impressive natural collection, which includes over 700 specimens of amber in both natural and processed forms. The amber collection is still growing, as the castle has a policy of acquiring amber in various forms.

The collection includes old and new ornaments, natural forms of amber and valuable inclusions with plant and animal remains. The collection is not as rich as that of the Amber Museum in Gdańsk, but it is worth spending some time on it.

The most interesting objects in the collection are fragments of ornaments from the 17th century, an amber altar from 1687, as well as a 300-year-old box and various sculptures and works of art by Gdańsk artists. Very interesting are the trinkets owned by August Poniatowski. These include complete chess sets, pipes, weapons elements and other knick-knacks.

The natural collection is located on the Ground Floor of the Eastern Wing of the Middle Castle.

Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) and ceramics collection

The collection of ceramics at Malbork Castle currently includes over 500 pieces of ceramics of various types and uses. Among the collections you will see such treasures as dishes from local manufactories and faience from the most famous workshops in Europe.

The museum was founded in 1961. From the beginning, the aim of the collection was to gather ceramics from Polish and European workshops.

Valuable specimens in the museum are Dutch faience from the 18th century. Over half of the collections are historic porcelain, the rest are faience, stoneware and medieval pottery products obtained as a result of archaeological research.

Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) and collection of antique furniture

The owners of Malbork Castle, like all other castle owners, try to fill the interiors with antique furniture. Furniture not only decorates museum halls, but also gives them character and explains their function. Some furniture is arranged in the kitchen, others in living rooms or banquet halls.

The collection of furniture in Malbork Castle has been growing since the end of the 19th century and includes Gothic furniture as well as their museum copies and reproductions. Part of the collection also includes valuable modern furniture from various workshops. This period is represented by Renaissance, Baroque and newer furniture.

The collection is very intriguing and extremely valuable. Therefore, it is worth paying special attention to the furnishings of individual halls that you will be wandering through.

Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) and collection of weapons and military items

The weapon’s department is one of my favourite places in Malbork Castle. The weapons gathered here describe five centuries in the context of Europe’s military development.

Malbork Castle was built as a fortress and served this function for most of its existence. Therefore, it should not surprise you that there is no shortage of weapons here. The castle armoury was considered one of the largest in the world during its heyday. It is this part of the castle’s history that is dedicated to the military exhibition.

In showcases and on stands, over 600 exhibits have been gathered covering the period from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

The first thing you will come across is a collection of medieval swords that still remember the Crusades. Then there are the weapons from the armed expedition to Lithuania in the 14th century. Further on, you will find hunting weapons. These are beautiful crossbows and bows, as well as first, still crude, homemade guns and other firearms. The first mortars and cap lock pistols also stand here. The oldest ones date back to the 15th century.

Fans of the myth of Polish hussars will not be disappointed, either. The collection of full armour, sabres and various equipment elements is huge and one could spend a whole day here.

An additional attraction is the exhibition of oriental weapons. Persian and Turkish armour and weapons are exhibited here. This collection includes over 100 exhibits and I highly recommend it because it is easy to see the differences between military technical solutions used in Europe and ancient Asia.

Malbork Castle and numismatic collection

The collection of coins and medals includes over four and a half thousand objects. Most of them are coins related to the Polish state and Royal Prussia. In addition to coins, the collection includes military medals and insignia, mostly from Prussia but not only. A large part of the collection is filled with contemporary medals, especially post-war ones.

The remaining part of the collection consists of copies of famous coins and medals, as well as purses, wallets, and antique piggy banks. The collection is interesting and worth spending a good moment on it.

Malbork and sculpture collection

The entire castle is filled with sculptures, more or less valuable. This collection includes works from the Middle Ages to the present day.

The most valuable part of the collections consists of the original remains of the Teutonic Knights’ monastery church. Unfortunately, only fragments of the furnishings of chapels and castle churches have survived to this day. A significant portion of the collection consists of sculptures from the time of the castle’s reconstruction in the 19th century and also in the 20th century. These are mainly wooden sculptures that allow us to trace the development of Gothic sculpture in Poland.

The most valuable monument in this part of the museum is a fragment of the figure of Christ. It is assumed that the sculpture dates back to 1344. Another work of art worth paying attention to is the crucifix and remnants of the sculpture of Mary and the figure of St. John.

This department is interesting for sculpture lovers, others can safely move on.

Malbork and room of medieval engravings

The print room at Malbork Castle dates back, like the numismatic collection, to the early 1960s. The heart of the collection is engravings and drawings that cover a period of over five centuries.

Many of the graphics depict Malbork Castle, so you can trace the development of the fortress and see the changes that have taken place over centuries. In addition, portraits of kings and other prominent historical figures have been collected here. Plans and sketches of buildings and entire cities from other parts of Poland are also interesting.

Personally, I was fascinated by graphics depicting the course of the Battle of Grünewald.

Malbork and technical monuments

The collection of historic technical equipment at Malbork Castle includes 25 objects. One of the more valuable ones is mechanisms and equipment for a groat mill located in the High Castle. Here you will see precise wooden gears, stumps, a waterwheel and many other parts. The collection of millstones that worked in the mill is interesting. The oldest one is over 1000 years old!

Another monument is a windmill called Królewskie Pacholę. It dates back to 1831 and was brought from Krzewsko near Elbląg. This device, combined with other mechanisms and tools, creates a very interesting exhibition.

Malbork Castle and stained-glass collection

Stained-glass windows are an integral part of medieval castles as well as cathedrals and churches. It is not surprising that Malbork Castle can boast a beautiful collection of old window panes, since it was built by Teutonic Knights.

Many old stained-glass windows were removed centuries ago and ended up in the hands of private owners. Malbork Castle is gradually finding them and trying to buy them back. Decorative glass is slowly returning to its place in the castle. Today, you can see original stained-glass windows installed in the chapter house and in St. Anne’s Chapel.

In addition to the above-mentioned collections, you can also see elements of archaeological detail, photo albums describing the reconstruction of the castle, historical documentation and items related to Malbork.

Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) practical information

• You will find the castle at: Starościńska 1, 82-200 Malbork.
• The visitor limit is massive, but it is worth securing and reserving a ticket in advance using the Internet or by phone. There are ticket machines in front of the castle where you can buy a ticket for the next day or for a later time. It’s a good idea to buy a ticket on the website.
• I recommend a proven and very pleasant hotel from which you can see the castle.
• The visitor limit is 500 people per hour.
• The time to visit the historical route is from 3 to 4 hours. The green route can be completed in less than 2 hours.
• It should be remembered that visiting the castle involves a long walk through various rooms and outdoor areas. Comfortable shoes and warmer clothes will be helpful.
• There are not too many toilets on the castle grounds. One is at the very beginning and another is roughly halfway through the route. It is worth using them when there is an opportunity.
• Larger luggage must be left in storage.
• You can easily pay by credit card at the castle.
• Unfortunately, animals cannot be visited at the castle. However, there is a place somewhere on the castle where you can leave them. For details, I refer you to the official website of the castle.
• If possible, you should plan your visit to the castle during performances or historical re-enactments. One of them is the Battle of Malbork Castle re-enactment held in July. It’s worth checking on the castle’s website before you arrive.
• You can take photos in the castle, but using additional sources of light is not allowed.
• There is a restaurant called “Piwniczka” operating in the castle, which is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Additionally, you can purchase souvenirs from the castle at the souvenir shop and the amber shop. Both of these shops are open during summer from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) and the Teutonic Knights facts and trivia

• The construction of the castle began in 1280.
• The builders of the castle were the Teutonic Knights, members of the Teutonic Order.
• The site chosen for the castle was the right bank of the Nogat River.
• Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) is the largest castle in the world.
• The initial name of the castle was Marienburg, in honour of Mary.
• The castle’s foundations were built on massive wooden piles driven into the sand.
• Malbork Castle covers an area of ​​18 hectares.
• Over 30 million bricks were used in the construction of the castle.
• The castle features narrow passageways and nooks, which may indicate the Teutonic Knights’ shorter stature.
• Castle toilets were located in the towers, and waste was directed straight into the moat.
• Scenes for the film “Krzyżacy” (The Knights of the Cross) were filmed at Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle).
• The Teutonic Order, also known as the Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem, was founded during the Third Crusade to the Holy Land in 1190.
• The Teutonic Knights were composed of monk-knights.
• In the entire Teutonic Order, during its heyday, there were only about 1,500 monk-knights. The rest were mercenaries and lay brothers. In Malbork, there were only a few dozen monk-knights.
• In 1809, Napoleon dissolved the Teutonic Order, which went underground.
• In 1918, the Teutonic Knights ceased to be a knightly order and became monks.
• The Teutonic Order still exists today and is engaged in charitable and pastoral activities.
• Apart from the Teutonic Knights, two other religious orders were founded: the Hospitallers and the Templars.
• Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) served as the headquarters of the Teutonic Order and the Grand Master from 1309 to 1457.
• In 1340, a colossal statue of the Virgin Mary was placed on the castle’s facade. It measured over 8 meters and weighed about 15 tons. The statue was covered in a beautiful mosaic made by Venetian masters. The statue was destroyed by the Germans in 1945.
• In 1411, while the castle was besieged by Polish-Lithuanian forces, a traitor within the order revealed the location of their meetings to the Poles, who fired a massive artillery shell at the designated spot. It was supposed to hit a pillar supporting the ceiling and collapse it on the Teutonic Knights. Unfortunately, the shell narrowly missed the pillar, and a part of it remains embedded in the wall across from the windows to this day.
• In the year 1457, the castle came into Polish hands, but it was not taken by force. Knight Andrzej Tęczyński of the Topór coat of arms purchased the castle from the commander of Czech mercenaries, Ulryk Czerwonka. The latter received the fortress from the Teutonic Order in exchange for debts and unpaid wages. The Poles paid over 6 tons of gold for the castle in Malbork.
• In 1997, the Malbork Castle (Marienburg castle) was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

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