The use of
brick and mortar has been a dependable construction method for centuries. From churches and cathedrals to homes and industrial buildings this simple yet extremely effective building technique creates strong, beautiful structures. You may be surprised to learn that the earliest use of brick dates back as far as 4400 BC, where red clay bricks were used as flooring in Neolithic China. Today we are surrounded by brick buildings both old and new. Many brick buildings in Europe are also tourist destinations thanks to their beauty and the history behind them.
The Malbork castle in Poland is the largest brick building in Europe! Over half a million tourists make their way from all corners of the globe to marvel as the castle’s splendour.
History
The castle was built in the 13th century and opened in 1406. The castle was built by the Teutonic knights of the Teutonic order (a Roman Catholic order of German crusaders) who originally named it ‘Mary’s castle’. The purpose of the castle was to convey power and authority of the surrounding area after the Teutonic order’s suppression of the Prussian Uprising.
Architecture
From a distance, the castle looks as though it has been plucked straight out of a fairy tale, with its towering turrets and medieval architecture. Up close the castle is even more impressive. Exquisite detail covers every inch of the castle from the exterior bricks to the interior floors, walls, windows and ceilings. During World War II the castle suffered significant and heavy damage, but was renovated both in the 20th century and 2016.
