Teutonic Castles

Cheryl McCreary-Bade

The Teutonic order of knights built a number of castles in Europe during the crusades in the middle ages. This German military organization known by the full name, Order of the Brothers of the German House of Mary in Jerusalem formed in the twelfth century grew from a military order into a religious one that aided Catholics traveling to the Middle East and established hospitals that cared for the sick. During the orders expansion into Eastern Europe they built castles to fortify their strength.

Teutonic castles and their remains are found in modern day Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Russia. Built throughout mostly the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, they are good representations of Gothic brick castles. As Christianity spread from Germany into Eastern Europe military defenses and forces were necessary to protect the clergy.

These castles were built in strongly defensible places and were often near towns and rivers to keep them established and supplied. Novel construction methods were used to build the castles, and plans for many of the castles are still in existence. Over time the castles have changed hands or suffered destruction because of wars or neglect. In some cases, only a few structures remain.

Malbork castle in Poland, the world's largest brick castle, is the best example of a castle of the Teutonic order. It was the headquarters for the Teutonic order for a few hundred years, and was expanded a number of times. Its restoration helped rediscover lost knowledge about Medieval construction technology and showed their influence on Gothic architecture throughout Europe. It also stands as a history lesson of the influence of the crusades on Eastern Europe.

The Teutonic castles represent a unique time in the history of Europe. The castles and their remains are common tourist destinations. The Teutonic order still exists today, mainly as a charitable organization.