Malbork Castle

13 Medieval Castles to Visit for History and Architecture

"A vast brick fortress covering 52 acres and recognized as the world's largest brick castle by land area, this Teutonic Knights–built stronghold dates to the 13th century and is UNESCO-listed. It later housed Polish kings; much of it was destroyed during the German occupation in World War II but has since been restored. Now a museum, the complex consists of three fortified castles and other buildings that visitors can explore with an audio guide." - Steven Casale Steven Casale Steven Casale is a New York City-based freelance writer and digital strategist. He specializes in food, travel, and lifestyle content for publications like Tasting Table, Travel + Leisure, The Lineup, and amNY.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

These Hidden Castles in Europe Are Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

"Malbork Castle is a 13th-century fortified monastery belonging to the Teutonic Order." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"When approaching the quiet town of Malbork, whether by road or rail, you’ll catch a glimpse of the towering, orange-red Malbork Castle—one of the most impressive strongholds of the Middle Ages and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. For the best view, however, continue on to the banks of the Nogat River, where you can see the solid brick structure reflecting in the clear-blue water. The fortress was built by the Order of the Teutonic Knights, who settled in Malbork in an effort to establish their own state on the surrounding lands. They named the area Marienburg, which later became Malbork, to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus. After the second Treaty of Toruń in 1466, which ended the 13-year war between the knights and the Poles, the castle passed into Polish hands and, for the next three centuries, served as the royal residence for Polish kings during their annual visits to Pomerania. It was half-destroyed during World War II but restored to its former glory after an extensive renovation. Today, it remains the largest brick castle in Europe. The fortress is a repository of myths and legends, making a guided tour particularly interesting. You can easily visit the castle on a day trip from Gdańsk, but there’s a hotel on the grounds should you want to spend the night and try to spot some of the resident ghosts."