Poland is home to the world’s biggest castle that boasts an astonishing 30 million bricks painstakingly assembled over a 132-year period.
This sprawling complex of Malbork Castle, nestled along the picturesque River Nogat, is a colossal feat that dwarfs even Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, standing at four and two times the size, respectively.
Within its massive walls, the castle encompasses three distinct structures, complete with moats, a drawbridge, and a multitude of houses and towers adorned with turrets.
The red brick castle transports visitors back in time with its well-preserved medieval charm, mirroring its appearance from six centuries ago.
Originally designed as the residence for 3,000 knights and their retinue, the awe-inspiring complex sprawls over an expansive two million square feet.
The rich history starts in 1274 when a group of religious knights began constructing the High Castle, the first of the three structures.
Lonely Planet aptly describes it as a “formidable” testament to medieval craftsmanship. By 1309, the resident knights added the Middle Castle, followed by the Lower Castle, surrounded by formidable defensive walls.
Internal drawbridges offer a glimpse into the castle’s scale, while the view from across the river provides a breathtaking perspective of its magnificence.
Enormous kitchens, capable of storing two years’ worth of provisions for 400 people, invite tourists to explore culinary history.
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Various exhibitions within the castle include an amber museum, showcasing the precious material that once brought wealth to the knights who controlled the coast where it was found.
Drawing over 300,000 tourists annually, the castle’s captivating history took a turn in 1457 when it was seized by the Polish army and subsequently became a residence for Polish royalty before falling into disrepair.
Today, Malbork Castle stands proudly as a beautifully restored museum site, a testament to the enduring legacy of medieval craftsmanship and the captivating allure of Poland’s architectural treasures.
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