Malbork is a town in northern Poland, 80 kms distance from Gdansk. The fortress is the most complete and elaborate example of the Gothic brick fortress complex in the characteristic and unique style of the Teutonic Order. It represents the phenomenon of the monastoc state in Prussia, founded in the 13th century and developed int he 14th century by the German communities of military monks, who carried out crusades against the pagan Prussians ont he south Baltic coast. In 1309 the Grand Master moved his office to Malbork. The castle / fortress was promoted to the status of being the capital of one of the most powerful status on the southern coast of the Baltic.
Malbork fortress is a symbol of power and cultural tradition is the most important monument to the monastic state of the Teutonoc Knights, a unique phenomenon int he history of western civilization. The castle is an outstanding example of the castles of the Teutonic Order, which evolved in the frontiers of medieval western Europe. It is a unique , pefectly planned arcitectural creation, with no equivalent in Gothic architecture. UNESCO designated the Fortress and the museum a Woerld Heritage Site in 1997. It has 3 main parts: the Higy castle, the Middle castle and the Grand Master’s Palace. The wester wing of the Middle Castle includes a unique structure- the Grand Master’s palace built int he end of the 14th century, int he most prosperous period of the monastic state in Prussia. It is architecturally the richest and the artistically the most valuable construction int he entire history of the Order, which equals th ebest residences of the European monarchs of the late Middle ages.
More information: www.castles.info; www.zamek.malbork.pl; www.famouswonders.com
