The fortress in Malbork is one of the largest surviving units of the gothic architecture in the world. The construction of the fortress was begun in 1278. The initial name of the castle that was used by the Teutonic Order was Marienburg. In 1309-1457 the castle served as a seat of the grand master of the Teutonic Order. In later years, until 1772 the castle became one of the residences of the kings of Poland, and later it was occupied by Prussia. By the end of the 1950’s it was decided to rebuild the castle, and in 1997 the building was enlisted on the UNESCO world heritage list.
