Things to see and do Malbork

Malbork Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see in Pomerania. Built by the Teutonic Order in the 13th century, it was once the headquarters of the knight-monks. After their defeat, it became the seat of the voivodship. Partially destroyed and then rebuilt, it has now been restored to its medieval glory. Divided into three parts, it houses museums, a church, a chapel and the once-occupied living quarters. For a complete visit, plan a full day and arrive early

The interiors are superb, and mainly the auditorium (sala rycerska), which covers a surface of 450 m ².

This impressive structure was built in the second half of the ^14th century under the orders of the Teutonic Grand Master Winrich von Kniprode, as part of the city's new defense system. In 1838, a fire destroyed the roof, which was subsequently rebuilt with a new structure including a clock tower. Completely destroyed by fire and riddled with bullet holes at the end of the Second World War, the gate was finally rebuilt in the mid-1960s in its present glorious form. A monument worth discovering!

St. Lawrence Church, located in the heart of Malbork Castle, is a ^14th-century Gothic masterpiece. With its soaring vaults, detailed carvings and magnificent stained glass windows, it bears witness to the grandeur of the Teutonic Order. Once the spiritual center of the fortress, it continues to attract visitors from all over the world with its history and majestic beauty. Its interior is adorned with detailed sculptures, religious frescoes and richly decorated altars, testifying to the skills of the craftsmen of the time.

Built in 1905 in neo-Gothic style, this impressive structure once served as a water tower, providing the town with its water supply. Built of brick and set on a raised octagonal plinth, it's a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture that dominates the town and almost seems to date back to the castle's earliest years. By the way, you can visit it: by that I mean you can climb its steps to enjoy a superb view of the town, new, old and the superb medieval castle.

You find beautiful objects carved in this semi-precious stone and the largest piece in the raw state weighing 2,3 kg. This amber collection is the most impressive of the

world.

You can access the summit and have a very nice view of the whole site and the campaign around. You realize that the knights could see the enemy coming from a distance so far the landscape is flat in that region of Poméranie.

This imposing gateway, obviously remodeled to meet today's needs, was built in brick in the second half of the ^14th century. The gate was part of the city's defensive wall and has five storeys and a four-sided mosaic roof. In front of the building stands a metal model of pre-war Marienburg. The tower is now occupied by a jeweller's shop, a role quite different from the original one, but one that breathes a little life into a medieval ruin. The products sold make nice, inexpensive gifts.

This rare surviving example of authentic city architecture is a former hospital of the Teutonic Order. It was saved from collapse thanks to the efforts of the local authorities, and the support of a German foundation which financed the work. Dating from the late ^13th century, in the pure tradition of medieval religious orders, it was a hospital for the sick and elderly. Today, it houses a cultural center.