After winning the Battle of Grunwald, did the Polish king Jagiełło have the chance of taking Malbork? Why did he set off for the triumphal procession on July 18, 1410, while on July 17 the Bishop Jan Kropidło had informed him about the panic among the Teutonic Knights? Jagiełło reached Malbork on July 25. These few days of delay allowed Henry von Plauen, the Komtur of Schwetz, prepare the Malbork Castle to defend. It was prepared so effectively that the two-month siege ended without success on September 19, when it was decided to retreat.
These questions remain without answer. But it is worth considering the chances Jagiełło had, standing by the walls of the Malbork Castle. From July 19 to 21 it will be very noteworthy, because of the annual festival of medieval culture “Siege of Malbork”.
Thanks to the magical atmosphere of the Malbork Castle and the rich program of “Siege of Malbork” there is something for everyone to feel like in a medieval castle. Five staging battles between Polish knights and Teutonic Knights, cavalry battle, and crossbow and archery tournaments will provide a lot of fun during the three days of festival. Moreover, there will be horses and stuntman shows. The battle scenes will be accompanied by medieval theatre, puppet theatre, street old music concerts, painting workshops, children’s castle, and several animations, involving jugglers, stilt walkers and fire eaters. Late in the evening until midnight, you can visit the castle along the specially prepared “night” route.
Jagiełło has lost his chance. His triumphal march from Grunwald to Malbork ended as a disaster. Today, craftsmen and knights set off for such procession from Grunwald to attend the “Siege of Malbork”. Would the full of passion shows of unique skills have been liked by the participants of the historic siege? Come to Malbork on July 19 to 21 in order to consider it on your own and look into the eyes of history.
The main attraction will be, as usual, the Malbork Castle and the Castle Museum’s great exhibitions.
More information at: the Malbork Castle
Photos © the Malbork Castle
