Malbork Tour - Castle of The Teutonic Order

Malbork Castle. Figures of the great masters of the Teutonic Order.

Usually they were elected for life from among the eight persons designated from among the knights of the Order.

Each of the pretenders presented his candidate, and if he did not receive the approval of the other, the new proposals presented another of the eight pretenders. Until they reached consensus.

It happened, however, that in 1410, after the great battle defeated by the Order - there stayed only three high-ranking knights. They decided that this will be a great master, on which will indicate person with the highest rank.

Two of them had hopes that the third - according to tradition - will indicate one of them.

So when during a solemn Mass, in the presence of the entire Order, Heinrich von Plauen twice asked all whether they will accept without doubts his candidate and twice he received confirmation of his future choice, delivered to the sound of bells formula:

"I, Heinrich von Plauen, choose for your permission myself as a grand Master of the Teutonic Order."

Malbork Castle. Great Refectory.

Room with a length of 30 meters, a width of 15 and 9 meters high - is supported by three granite pillars. It served as a place of feasting and boardroom. It could accommodate 400 people.

Main place of the Grand Master was placed in front of the fireplace, just opposite of the entrance.

Cold air never occurred because the fireplace warming his back, and in front of him was in the floor vents of warm air from the nearby furnace, which located under the floor.

Air heating to 20 degrees Celsius - thanks to a tubular heating system and hot stones - it was cheaper and more efficient than today's burning in the oven.

Malbork Castle. Kitchen.

In fact, the knights were eating the same thing as we do today, that is, pork, beef, poultry, venison, fish. And additionally bread, cereals and rice. From dairy mostly eggs and cheese.

They differed in terms of drinking.

They avoided milk.

They preferred 19 species of wines and 12 beers.

They sat to eat twice a day (morning and evening) and at fasting days only once.

Unusual is the relation of the castle kitchen with Order's treasury.

So, working in the bakery cooks, they got to know that above their heads is a treasure full of chests with gold coins.

They hollowed a hole in the roof and gold money began to pour on their head.

They tried to escape with the loot but because the knights had castles at every 15 km and an extensive system of communication - they were quickly caught and prosecuted.

In those days, a judgment can be only one.

Nobody had heard of suspended sentence or release on bail...

Malbork Castle.

Medieval legend about Glisberg knight says that he was a religious brother in a small castle not far from Malbork.

He had a great fighting spirit. He always lived in holiness and his piety aroused great admiration among the other brothers.

Before heading out to fight with the enemy Lithuanians, Glisberg took part in the solemn Mass celebrated in the church of the castle.

On a small elevation was placed cross with the figure of the Saviour, to which subsequently approached knights to kiss him.

At the moment when to the cross came brother Glisberg, hands of crucified Christ freed themselves from nails to embrace him.

Knight could only say:

"Oh Lord, it is not proper to you embrace such a great sinner who is not worthy of your love."

After this miracle Glisberg fought bravely with Lithuanians and died there too.