Being in Gdansk worth on the way back visit the castle in Malbork. Its powerful construction can be seen from afar and make a really big impression. The castle is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture defensive-residential in Europe and is maintained in excellent form.
Castle in Malbork was built in several stages from 1280 to the first half of the fifteenth century by the Teutonic Knights. Preparations for building lasted from 1278. The beginning of the first phase of construction of the castle can be dated to the year 1280. In 1309 it was decided to transfer the seat of the Grand Master of the Order from Venice to Malbork, which thus became the capital of the Monastic State. After the fall of the Order, the castle was sold in 1457 to the Polish king Casimir the Jagiellonian. From now until 1772 was one of the residence of Polish kings.
After the first partition of Polish, on 12 September 1772, the castle left the Polish soldiers, and a day later the castle occupied by the Prussians. In 1780, the castle was abandoned last two Polish Jesuits. After the acquisition of the castle by the Prussians in 1774 began to rebuild the castle into barracks, which led to massive destruction. They demolished almost all the Gothic vaults and rebuilt the window. Great Refectory allocated to the riding horses school. In the Palace of the Grand Masters placed fabric factory and housing for workers. They made the demolition of many gates and walls on the building material. Especially great loss castle suffered in the years 1801-1804 on the orders of Frederick William III when the castle began to rebuild the great military warehouses.
The beginnings of reconstruction began in 1817 from the reconstruction of the eastern facade of the Palace of the Grand Masters and the reconstruction of the chapel of St. Catherine. Restoration works lasted until the outbreak of World War II and were led by many famous architects. In the 30s of the twentieth century, it was often used by the German Nazi as celebration background. In the winter of 1945 during the battles for the city with the Soviet Red Army, the castle was turned into a point of resistance, which has led to great destruction. Fighting lasted until March 9, 1945 year. Have been destroyed completely the eastern part of the castle, the main tower and the castle church. The destruction was estimated at 50-60%.
In the late 50's due to that during World War II, 50% of the castle was destroyed, the authorities began to plan the demolition of the castle. Finally, changed their minds and appointed Social Committee for Reconstruction of the Castle. It began which lasted for many years to rebuild the castle during which attempts were made to restore its shape from the Middle Ages, removing erroneous reconstructions made by German art conservators
Malbork Castle in 2007, was considered one of seven wonders of Poland. The castle complex are still under renovations.
Estimated time to explore the castle tours is 3-4 hours.
On Mondays and some holidays interiors of the Museum are CLOSED, you can then visit the castle area exteriors and some of interiors.
The castle is open to visitors from 9am to 19pm.
Normal ticket 9 euro
discount ticket 7 euro
No comments:
Post a Comment