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by Mariusz Mierzwinski, photographs by Marek Zak
Among the most characteristic elements of the low-lying landscape of north-east Poland, a particular place is occupied by fortified castles made out of red brick. Their pedigree goes back to the days of the distant Middle Ages, and most of them owe their existence to the construction activities of the order of the Teutonic Knights. They have survived to this day in various states. All exhibit a surprising perfection of building technique and a homogeneous style - features which make them an easily recognizable element of the Pomeranian landscape. The largest and most impressive of them is the castle at Malbork (Marienburg), which from the beginning of the 14th century to the middle of the 15th century served as the capital of the Teutonic state in Prussia. The monumental, tripartite fort, imposingly situated on an elongated slope above the river Nogat, still arouses wonder at the skill of the old builders. The castle in Malbork is one of the greatest tourist attractions in northern Poland. Nowadays we regard it primarily as an exceptionally valuable work of art - a monument of medieval architecture incorporating many wonderful structures which illustrate the development of Gothic vaulting and which present extremely valuable examples of the architectural art. Its carefully planned use of space became a pattern followed by many later defensive structures. It is also a monument of the art of defence. Finally the castle is a monument of history, not only as the most representative symbol of the Teutonic Order, so hostile in its intentions toward the Polish state, but also as the residence of Polish kings, and the seat of high levels of Polish administration, as well as one of the largest arsenals of the Republic under Polish government.It has now become a permanent part of the historic myth which is present in the consciousness of both Poles and Germans. But there are also elements here of the history of the inhabitants of Prussia, Lithuania, Samogitia, Sweden and France, not to mention representatives of many other nations coming here in the Middle Ages on Crusades against the pagans. This color album details the history of the castle in text, photos and illustrations as well as details about the Teutonic Order.
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Features
- Hardcover
- 127 pages
- 75 full color photos
- 30 + black and white plates
- Size 6.75" x 9.75" - 17cm x 25cm
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