Malbork - The Largest Gothic Castle Complex in the World. Part 8 - Between the Walls
Malbork Castle is the largest Gothic castle complex in the world, covering an area of approximately 21 hectares, a masterpiece of defensive and residential architecture of the late Middle Ages. In 1997, Malbork Castle was added to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.
Places mentioned in this video:
Dry moat
Already around the middle of the 14th century, Malbork Castle was one of the most powerful fortresses in Europe at the time. Its different parts were surrounded by several rings of massive walls, which, together forming a compact system, at the same time gave the possibility of independent defense of each part. Between the Middle and High Castles ran a cross-cut called a dry moat - there was no need to fill it with water, its sheer immensity was enough.
The power of the fortress is best seen from the bottom of the moats - a walk around the High Castle through the moats and between the walls provides an unforgettable experience. The walls and buildings piling up towards the sky testify to the strength of the monastic state at that time. The walls at the base were not infrequently about 6 meters thick(!); massive, high walls served primarily a defensive function. Undoubtedly, the fortress must have made an incredible impression on newcomers.
Wieża Klesza (The Priest Tower)
The Tower is part of the High Castle complex in Malbork. It is located in its north-east corner, joined to the north wall of the castle church. Together they form a dominating feature in height of this part of the fortress from the east.
Cellars
In the Teutonic Order times, the cellars had household supply funcions. They were managed by the cellar friar, whose lodgings and office were situated in the western wing of the High Castle. A huge area of the supply cellar has been covered with a massive ribbed vault – the most typical vault in the Teutonic cellar interiors.
The Dansker Tower
An important part of the Malbork castle, as well as other fortresses in the territory of the Teutonic State, was the Dansker Tower (Gdanisko). It served as a medieval sizable toilet, which was located over the moat. Gdanisko Tower is among the oldest castle buildings. Flanking the fortified monastery, the tower was an additional element of the defence system.
Windmill remains
The cog and bucket wheels are the remains of a windmill called Królewskie Pachole (The Royal Child), built in 1831. It was one of the oldest windmills in Żulawy, used for land drainage. Its originality lay in the fact that the bucket wheel was placed inside the structure. Later ones had such wheels on the outside. It was dismantled in 1913, and elements of its drive were moved to the High Castle in Malbork.
Grand Master's Palace
The western wing of the Middle Castle includes a unique structure - the Grand Master's Palace built in the end of the 14th century, i.e. in the most prosperous period of the monastic state in Prussia. It is architecturally the richest and the artistically the most valuable construction in the entire history of the Order, which equals the best residences of the European monarchs of the late Middle ages. The rooms of the Palace are shown in Part 2 and Part 3.
The Bridge Gate towers
Dating back to the 14th century, the fortified gate, flanked by two round towers on the Nogat side, used to be a crossing point from the left bank of the river towards the High Castle.
Malbork - Staging of the Castle Siege in 1410:
• Staging of the Castle Siege in 1410. Malbo...
• Staging of the Castle Siege in 1410. Malbo...
Knight's Tournament in the Malbork Castle:
• Knight's Tournament in the Malbork Castle ...
Medieval Siege Machines:
• Medieval Siege Machines / Średniowieczne m...
Music: Zmariusz666:
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