Quiz of the week: What is the largest medieval castle in Europe in terms of surface area? 🏰
Quiz of the day: What is the largest medieval castle in Europe in terms of surface area? 🏰
Castles are a dream come true for history lovers. Symbols of the Middle Ages, these stone giants were used to defend lords, impress enemies and house treasures. Among them, one castle stands out for its monumental size. Is it...
A) Malbork Castle (Poland)
B) Windsor Castle (England)
C) Coucy Castle (France)
D) Carcassonne Castle (France)
💬 Your answer? Leave it in the comments and come back on Thursday to discover the full story of this castle!
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The answer may come as a surprise: it is Malbork Castle in Poland. Built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order in the 13th century, it covers an impressive area of 143,000 m² , making it the largest medieval castle in Europe.
An impressive fortress
Located in northern Poland, near the Nogat River, Malbork Castle (or Marienburg Castle) is a masterpiece of Brick Gothic architecture. Designed as the seat of the Teutonic Order, it impresses with:
- Its monumental size : 14 hectares, or about 20 football fields.
- Its red brick architecture , typical of the Baltic region.
A rich and eventful history
- Foundation : The Teutonic Knights began construction in 1274 to make it a military and administrative stronghold.
- Polish occupation : In 1466 it became the property of the Kingdom of Poland.
- Damage and restoration : Severely damaged during World War II, it was meticulously restored and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
But what about Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle in England holds another prestigious title: it is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the official residence of the British Royal Family. Its surface area is approximately 54,000 m² .
Conclusion: While Windsor dominates with its royal status, Malbork remains the largest medieval castle in Europe in terms of surface area. A historical wonder to discover for architecture and history enthusiasts.
Illustration:
Teutonic Castle Complex ul. Starościńska 1, Malbork, Malbork, By Gregy — Own work , CC BY-SA 3.0 pl , Link
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