a place of great significance for the Prussian Homage and its consequences
is to become a space for the exchange of ideas
historical debate and educational activities related to this event in 2025
The exhibition can be visited from 8 April to 29 June 2025 in the Palace of the Grand Masters
the former residence of the Grand Masters of the Order and the kings of Poland
and in the most representative interior – the Great Refectory of the Castle Museum
The exhibition is divided into three modules:
the King of Poland [Sigismund I] rode out from Wawel Castle in Kraków to the city
where the Royal Crown was placed on his head
covered with tapestries decorated with gold accents and red carpets
What was the reason for such a grand event
It was on this day that the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order
Ducal Prussia—paid homage to the Polish king
we will be marking exactly 500 years since this momentous event
we officially invite you to the anniversary exhibition “Homage 500
History – Culture – Remembrance,” which the Malbork Castle Museum will open on April 8—the anniversary of the signing of the Kraków Treaty—to officially begin the commemoration of this event
The Prussian Homage held great significance for the future of Europe and the former lands of the Teutonic Order
The 500th anniversary is a perfect opportunity to learn about this remarkable history
The period of the Prussian Homage was a time of profound change and transition
We invite you to read the article on our website
the Prussian Homage and the castle exhibition will be the subject of numerous interviews and articles
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This 13th-century fortified monastery belonging to the Teutonic Order was substantially enlarged and embellished after 1309
when the seat of the Grand Master moved here from Venice
A particularly fine example of a medieval brick castle
but was meticulously restored in the 19th and early 20th centuries
Many of the conservation techniques now accepted as standard were evolved here
Following severe damage in the Second World War it was once again restored
using the detailed documentation prepared by earlier conservators
Ce monastère fortifié de l'ordre Teutonique datant du XIIIe siècle a été largement agrandi et embelli après 1309
quand le siège du grand maître de l'ordre a été transféré de Venise à Malbork
Exemple suprême du château médiéval en brique
il s'est ensuite délabré mais a été méticuleusement restauré au XIXe siècle et au début du XXe
C'est là qu'ont été élaborées nombre de techniques de conservation qui sont maintenant de règle
Après de graves dégâts subis lors de la Seconde Guerre mondiale
le château a été de nouveau restauré à partir de la documentation détaillée préparée par les précédents spécialistes de sa conservation
لقد تمّ توسيع هذا الدير المحصّن المبني على النمط التوتوني في القرن الثالث عشر، وتم تحسينه بعد العام 1309، حين تم نقل مقر سيد هذا النمط الأعظم من البندقية الى مالبورك
إنّه المثال الاسمى عن القصر القرميدي القروسطي
غير أنه هُدّم وأُعيد بناؤه بدقّةٍ كبيرة في القرن التاسع عشر وفي بداية القرن العشرين
من هنا تطوّر عدد من تقنيات الحفظ التي أصبحت اليوم قواعد رائجة
بعد الخسائر الجسيمة التي أحدثتها الحرب العالمية الثانية، رُمّم القصر من جديد استنادًا الى وثائق مفصّلة أعدّها الخبراء السابقون في حفظها
这个13世纪带有堡垒防御功能的修道院属于当时的条顿骑士团,当国王的居所于1309年从威尼斯移到这里后,这个城堡也得以扩建和重修。它是中世纪砖制城堡的杰出代表。在以后的数年里,城堡日渐衰败,到19世纪和20世纪初期,细致地修复了原貌。当今作为标准被接受的许多文物保护技巧是从这里演变而来的。该城堡在二战时期又被严重毁坏,但是后人根据第一次修复时留下来的详细资料再次修复了这个文化遗产。
был значительно расширен и богато оформлен после 1309 г.
когда сюда была перенесена из Венеции резиденция Великого Магистра
Являясь особенно ярким примером средневекового кирпичного замка
но был тщательно отреставрирован в XIX - начале XX вв
После жестоких разрушений во время Второй мировой войны замок был отреставрирован еще раз
año en que la sede del Gran Maestre de la Orden Teutónica fue transferida de Venecia a Malbork
este antiguo monasterio fortificado del siglo XIII llegó a ser el ejemplo más acabado de castillo medieval construido en ladrillo
fue meticulosamente restaurado en el siglo XIX y a principios del XX con técnicas que hoy se han convertido en normas en materia de restauración
Tras los graves desperfectos sufridos durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial
se restauró de nuevo sobre la base de la detallada documentación elaborada por los especialistas en conservación que efectuaron la primera restauración
Malbork Castle is located in the north of Poland
It is the most complete and elaborate example of a Gothic brick-built castle complex in the characteristic and unique style of the Teutonic Order
The style exemplified here evolved independently from those which prevailed in contemporary castles in western Europe and the Near East
This spectacular fortress bears witness to the phenomenon of the Teutonic Order state in Prussia
The state was founded in the 13th century by German communities of military monks who carried out crusades against the pagan Prussians and Lithuanians living on the south Baltic coast
as well as against the Christian Kingdom of Poland
It reached its greatest influence in the 14th century
The castle-convent embodies the drama of late medieval Christianity
straining between extremes of sanctity and violence
Malbork Castle has provided one of the major sources of fascination with European medieval history and its material remains
Its recent past also illustrates the tendency to treat history and its monuments as instruments in the service of political ideologies
Malbork Castle has been the subject of restoration work that has made an exceptional contribution to the development of research and conservation theory and practice in this part of the world
During the course of this work many forgotten medieval art and craft techniques have been rediscovered
Extensive conservation works were carried out in the 19th and early 20th centuries
Following the severe damage it incurred in the final stage of the Second World War
Apart from its legacy as a material remain
Malbork Castle is also deeply rooted in social consciousness as a significant and emotional symbol of the history of Central Europe
Criterion (ii): Malbork Castle is an architectural work of unique character
Many of the methods used by its builders in handling technical and artistic problems greatly influenced not only subsequent castles of the Teutonic Order
but also other Gothic buildings in a wide region of north-eastern Europe
The castle also provides perfect evidence of the evolution of modern philosophy and practice in the field of restoration and conservation
It is a historic monument to conservation itself
both in its social aspect and as a scientific and artistic discipline
is the most important monument to the monastic state of the Teutonic Order
a unique phenomenon in the history of Western civilization
The Castle is at the same time the major material manifestation of the Crusades in eastern Europe
the compulsory conversion to Christianity of the Baltic peoples
and the colonization of their tribal territories
which played a vital role in the history of Europe
Criterion (iv): Malbork Castle is an outstanding example of the castles of the Teutonic Order
which evolved on the frontiers of medieval western Europe
It was built utilizing a rich repertoire of medieval construction methods; these were applied on an exceptionally large scale and resulted in making a magnificent seat for the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order
The boundaries of the 18 ha Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork encompass all the elements necessary to sustain the Outstanding Universal Value of the monumental castle complex
characterised by a tripartite layout comprising the High Castle
each clearly delineated while at the same time integrally interconnected
The distinctive western and eastern panoramas of the castle complex also remain intact
Other equally important attributes of Malbork
illustrating its significance as the seat of the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order
are individual buildings of the castle complex
The most important among them are two masterpieces of Gothic architecture: the Grand Masters’ Palace and the Great Refectory in the Middle Castle
The functioning of the capital of the monastic state in Prussia is also superbly illustrated by the remaining parts of the Middle Castle
which used to serve as the principal monastery of the Teutonic Convent in Prussia
The High Castle takes the form of a fully evolved
quadrilateral Teutonic stronghold complete with a conventual chapel (the Church of the Virgin Mary) and other monastic rooms
A unique architectural feature is the Dansker – a latrine tower first developed at Malbork and subsequently copied at other castles within the monastic state
Malbork’s castle complex has also retained a clearly demarcated Outer Bailey
delineated by a series of defensive walls and moats
The Outer Bailey features a number of extant buildings which were of significance for the functioning of the Order’s capital
These include the armoury known as the Karwan and the defensive towers
the most important of which are the Maślankowa and the Bridge towers
The overall authenticity of the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork in its present form is very high
particularly regarding its location and setting
The fully preserved medieval features of the castle complex are its tripartite architectural and functional layout
the clearly delimited though interrelated units of High Castle
the spatial layouts of the High and Middle castles
as well as two masterpieces of Gothic architecture: the Grand Masters’ Palace and the Great Refectory in the Middle Castle
The remaining elements of the castle complex were largely reconstructed during works carried out at the turn of the 19th and early 20th centuries and after the Second World War
Key examples of late 19th-century conservation methods include the interiors of the High Castle: the Chapter House (with its accurately reconstructed vaulted ceiling
into which medieval details have been impeccably fitted)
Conservation feats of the early 20th century are principally demonstrated by buildings in the Middle Castle: St Catherine’s Chapel
the towers on Plauen’s Bulwark and the New Gate
The post-Second-World-War reconstruction of Malbork Castle is characterised by the great care which was taken to use the extensive and detailed records of the castle’s conservation and restoration carried out in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Contemporary reconstruction projects have led to the reinstatement of features dating from that period
thus conferring an authenticity relating to the evolution of the precepts and practice of restoration and conservation
The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork is subject to the highest level of legal protection at the national level in Poland (through its entry in the National Heritage Register and its status as a Monument of History)
implemented by the state monument protection services
the complex has been administrated by a national museum directly subordinate to the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage
The museum has at its disposal highly qualified conservation and education services and appropriate funds
making it possible to carry out suitable conservation tasks and to conduct educational and popularization events
The museum’s activity is controlled by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and the national conservation services
Sustaining the Outstanding Universal Value
and integrity of the property over time requires continuing the policies of conservation implemented at the Malbork castle complex since the mid-19th century in order to preserve the spatial and functional layout of the fortress
and the historic architectural features of the castle
In order to safeguard the integrity of the castle complex with its surroundings
and to preserve the character of this property
it is necessary for all of the stakeholders involved to cooperate closely
This cooperation should secure the effective protection of the complex in local planning documents
Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jets have arrived at the 22nd Air Base in Malbork
to begin their role in NATO’s enhanced Air Policing (eAP) mission
The deployment is part of the UK’s ongoing contribution to safeguarding Allied airspace in Eastern Europe
operated by II Army Cooperation Squadron from RAF Lossiemouth
will support the mission for the next four months
Their presence underlines the UK’s continued commitment to NATO’s collective defence
“The arrival of our Typhoon aircraft here at Malbork marks a proud moment for our team as we prepare to take on this vital NATO mission,” said Wing Commander Christopher Jacob
Commanding Officer of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing
a country with which the United Kingdom shares a long and storied history of friendship and cooperation
forged through shared values and mutual respect
reinforces the importance of NATO’s collective purpose and strengthens the foundation of our partnership,” he added
His comments reflect the deep ties between the UK and Poland and their shared role within NATO
the RAF will be joined by a Swedish Gripen detachment
It is the first time Swedish combat aircraft will conduct airspace surveillance from another Ally’s territory
and the first time they will operate under NATO command as full members since joining the Alliance in 2024
This mission follows a recent RAF deployment to Romania’s Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base and reflects the UK’s steadfast support for NATO operations
Such actions demonstrate the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability in the face of evolving security challenges
NATO’s enhanced Air Policing was established in 2014 as part of Assurance Measures following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea
These measures aim to demonstrate Allied unity
Source: Allied Air Command (NATO)
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It was with disbelief and great sadness that we received the news of the passing of Dr Bogna Jakubowska
who had been part of our castle family for 15 years
It is no exaggeration to say that she was a co-founder of the Castle Museum
at a time when the structure of the institution was forming and the profile of its activities was developing
A graduate of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (MA in historical studies and conservation)
she was employed in the Department of Sculpture
running the Cabinet of Engravings and the Collection of Militaria
and from the very beginning (in organisational and family terms) she was closely connected with the International Biennial of Contemporary Exlibris
which in time became the signature event of our Museum
She has organised more than 30 temporary exhibitions
made more than a dozen exhibition catalogues
and especially by the Golden Gate in the High Castle
she wrote a PhD dissertation ‘The Golden Gate of Malbork’
Apocalyptic Animals in Medieval Sculpture’
written under the supervision of Professor Lech Kalinowski at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków
The thesis was published by the Castle Museum
and in recent years Dr Bogna Jakubowska has addressed this topic and subsequent publications on the Malbork monument in a very erudite
and in particular the post-Cistercian monastery in Oliwa
was her another great – not only scientific – passion
which she willingly shared with everyone interested
and was an active member of the Gdańsk Branch of the Association of Art Historians
She was a curator at the Castle Museum from 1973
and in 1976 she held the position of deputy director of the Museum for six months
At the end of 1976 she left the Museum and moved to the Gdansk workshop of the Institute of Polish Art of the Polish Academy of Sciences
There she fruitfully continued her scientific career
while maintaining close contacts with many of our then and subsequent employees
To the very end she was very interested in what was happening in Malbork
and was not prevented from doing so by the health problems that afflicted her in recent years
She’s always going to be in our memory
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tomasz Najder
who was instrumental in saving the west wing of the Middle Castle in Malbork
A graduate of the Gdańsk University of Technology
where he pursued a career in specialist construction
obtaining the position of director of Stabilator
when he developed a method of protecting the foundations of the western wall of the Great Refectory
and throughout the 1990s he supervised complicated construction and conservation works in the western wing of the castle
he worked on a number of specialised tunnel constructions throughout Europe
He will be remembered as a kind-hearted and helpful colleague
always ready to offer professional support
The third and final day of the Siege of Malbork is behind us
siege machine demonstrations and an archery and crossbow tournament
A unique event on the final day was the Knights’ Mass
held in the moat between the High and Middle Castles
The mass was modelled on masses from medieval times
The priest entered the moat accompanied by archers
The Chivalric Mass is now a tradition of the Siege and has been held consistently for many years
but we already invite you to the next edition
The first day of the Siege of Malbork is behind us
Everyone experienced positive emotions from the very beginning
As early as the first day visitors had the opportunity to see demonstrations of siege machines
The Medieval Fair and the food truck zone were open all day
Visitors had the chance to take part in numerous workshops
And children completed a number of tasks to receive a special certificate from the grand master himself
In the evening there were two events exclusive to the Siege – the Battle Re-enactment and the Knights’ Adventure
There is something for everyone at the Siege of Malbork
Medievalists.net
Malbork Castle in Poland is one of the country’s most famous medieval sites
Some physical parts of that history have now been returned to the castle in recent weeks
Poland’s Ministry of Culture and National Heritage has announced that a piece of an altar dating to around 1500 is now part of the castle’s museum collection
The item was taken from Malbork after the Second World War and found its way to a church in Gdańsk
It was originally made in southern Germany for a church in Lower Saxony but was sold to Malbork in 1893
Malbork’s Castle Museum has also successfully recovered three pieces of stained glass that were originally held in the castle’s Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
These were also lost in the years after the Second World War and found their way into private hands
Stained glass was an important element of interior design
both in the Middle Ages and in modern times
Researchers believe that the first stained glass windows appeared in the most important castle temple in Malbork in the mid-14th century
There are also few mentions of stained glass in later sources
Only in illustrations from the 16th and 17th centuries can you see that the church windows were equipped with figural stained glass
As a result of a fire on the roofs of the High Castle in 1644
the castle church and its stained glass windows were destroyed
From the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century
construction and conservation works were carried out in Malbork
implementing the idea of rebuilding the castle
thanks to which it was to become the pantheon of the Prussian province (Prussian Westminster)
the first imports of medieval stained glass windows arrived there
purchased for the decoration of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the High Castle
They included: quarters from the 14th century
from the demolished Dominican church of St
and an unspecified number of stained glass windows from the Franciscan church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Toruń (dating to the end of the 14th century)
Further stained glass windows for the church decoration were purchased in 1888 from the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Chełmno and the Franciscan church in Toruń
The last batch of medieval stained glass windows (with ornamental and figural motifs) was obtained in 1898 from the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Toruń
Some of them are currently in the collections of the District Museum in Toruń
the acquired medieval stained glass windows did not meet the needs related to furnishing all the windows of the castle church
so a decision was made to fill the missing glazing with new stained glass windows
the Castle Reconstruction Board headed by Conrad Steinbrecht began cooperation with Johann Baptist Haselberger from Leipzig and the Royal Institute of Stained Glass in Charlottenburg near Berlin
The recently recovered stained glass panels come from this series
the Castle Museum in Malbork has been participating in a ministry program focusing on items lost in the Second World War
The program has identified over 2,000 lost objects from Malbork
with many items scattered in various institutions in Poland and abroad
gold – photo courtesy Poland’s Ministry of Culture and National Heritage
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We aim to be the leading content provider about all things medieval
podcast and Youtube page offers news and resources about the Middle Ages
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This will also allow our fans to get more involved in what content we do produce
Turkey has joined the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission for the first time since 2006
with a detachment of Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons arriving at Malbork Air Base in Poland on 6 July
The NATO Allied Air Command reported the arrival of four Turkish Air Force (TuAF) F-16s from 6th Main Jet Base at Bandırma
as well as a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules support aircraft and associated personnel
“An 80-strong Turkish Air Force detachment [will] operate the fighters from Malbork until mid-September in support of NATO's Air Policing mission in the region
This is the second time the Turkish Air Force [has] contributed fighter jets to NATO Air Policing in the region
the TuAF will support Spanish Air Force Eurofighters and Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana: AMI) Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs) that have been flying out of Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania and Amari Air Base in Estonia respectively since May
“Three allies from the south – Spain
and Turkey – are supporting NATO's Baltic Air Policing in the north
demonstrating alliance cohesion and solidarity,” the NATO Allied Air Command said
they will work with each other and the hosting air forces to enhance co-operation and interoperability.”
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The second day of the Siege of Malbork is behind us
There were no fewer attractions and emotions – quite the opposite
On Saturday our programme included archery and crossbow tournaments
They were accompanied by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania
who brought bread derived from medieval times for the reenactors
with our castle team taking the first place
Cultural institutions from Pomerania took part in the regatta: the Gdańsk Museum
the Second World War Museum and the National Maritime Museum
And in the evening visitors had a one-of-a-kind opportunity to visit the castle by night as part of a special Knights’ Adventure tour
available only during the two days of the siege
Metrics details
Looking at the façade of a historical building
it is often difficult to distinguish between the original decoration and later additions
One such building is the Holy Virgin Mary Church at the Malbork Castle (Northern Poland)
ceramic tiles with some remnants of the green glaze
decorating the Holy Virgin Mary Church façade
were studied in situ using portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
Micro-samples were analyzed in laboratory by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM–EDS) and wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM–WDS)
micro-Raman spectroscopy and powder X-ray micro-diffraction
We found that what was originally thought to be a paint layer was in fact a heavily deteriorated SiO2–PbO glaze
yellow and black pigments were found to have been added into the glaze as opacifiers and colorants
Copper and iron were used as glaze colorants
The originally added pigments were transformed into new phases
The technology used to produce the glazed tiles was identified
All the results collectively confirmed the medieval origin of the green glazed tiles
Gothic green glazed tile from Malbork Castle: multi-analytical study
General view of the Malbork Castle with the statue of the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus placed on the eastern façade of the Holy Virgin Mary Church
Photograph taken after conservation–restoration works in 2016 by D
The question has arisen whether the studied tiles were painted or glazed
Our paper presents the results of the analysis of what the restorers initially thought to be a paint layer but in the course of the scientific investigations turned out to be a heavily deteriorated green glaze
where non-invasive XRF in situ analysis was carried out using a DELTA Premium (Olympus Innov-X
USA) hand-held energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer equipped with an X-ray lamp with a Rh anode and a silicon drifted detector (SDD)
The device enables measurement of elements heavier than Mg (Z > 12)
Cross-sections of micro-samples were studied (Fig. 4a) both in visible and polarized reflected light using two microscopes: a Leica DM4000 m equipped with a Leica DFC295 camera and an Olympus BX51 equipped with an Olympus E600 camera (Quick Photo Camera 2.3 software)
Sn and Sb the conditions were as follows: high vacuum
the sample analyzed with WDS was coated with carbon
Quantitative analyses with EDS were executed after quant optimization on Co standard
Quantitative analyses with WDS were performed after prior standardization
Sn and Sb placed in stainless steel mount produced by SPI
For the standardization of Mg an P their Kα-lines were chosen and for the rest of elements (Zn
The EDS and WDS spectra were analyzed with INCA software by Oxford Instruments
For a glassy matrix and the black particles we present the raw data without normalization to 100%; the results are expressed as oxides wt%
Raman measurements (Figs. 7, 12, 13) were performed with a Nicolet Almega Dispersive Raman Spectrometer
equipped with an Olympus confocal microscope and motorized stage
The power of the laser was reduced to 25–50% in order to avoid sample overheating
Each spectrum was collected from two scans
Additional Raman measurements (Figs. 6 and 9) were performed with a Renishaw inVia Reflex micro-Raman spectrometer
equipped with a Leica microscope and motorized stage
The power of the laser was reduced to 10% in order to avoid sample overheating
we interpreted the grey patches as points of dirt accumulation on the top of possible retouches (presence of Zn)
The presence of Pb in the grey areas is questionable and most probably overestimated because of spectral interferences and the overlapping peaks of S (Kα1 2.309
For further analysis samples from dark green
green and greyish green areas were collected
Diffraction pattern from the ceramic body showing the crystalline phases: quartz (Q), microcline (M), diopside (D) and magnetite (Ma). Author: P. Bezdička
Raman spectra collected from different red areas show the presence of hematite (red line) (bands at: ~228
Such glaze mixture was applied on the clay body in water suspension and sometimes mixed with a binder (gum
Sb) were added to the mixture and they partly (Sn
Cu) or completely (Fe) dissolved in the vitreous matrix during firing
Raman spectrum of the white pigment—cassiterite (SnO2). Bands at 635 and 476 cm−1. Author: G. Żukowska
Cassiterite (Sn) with tenorite (Cu) in the glaze colored with Cu and Fe ions (SEM/EDS mapping)
Diffraction pattern from the glaze. Yellow pigments: lead tin oxide (Pb2SnO4) added to the glaze and newly formed phases during firing—antimony-doped tin oxide (Sn0.5Sb0.5O2), lead antimony oxide—monimolite (Pb3(SbO4)2 and wollastonite (CaSiO3). Author: P. Bezdička
Black Cu particles surrounded by Sn–Sb phases in a lead–silica glass (SEM/EDS mapping)
We assume that copper and iron were added deliberately to the SiO2–PbO glass
it cannot be excluded that part of the iron ions were released from the ceramic body during firing
Raman spectrum of black Cu-bearing mineral–tenorite (CuO). Bands at 298 and 611 cm−1 Author: G. Żukowska
Raman spectrum of antimony-doped tin oxide. Bands at 635, 512 and around 330 cm−1. Author: G. Żukowska [37]
Detail of the interface “green glaze-tile body”. Grains of feldspar (dark grey) are covered by a lighter, thin layer (containing K–Al–Si–Pb) (SEM/BEC image)
Interface phase K–Al–Si–Pb (SEM/EDS mapping)
Tabular crystals of a solid solution (the lighter grey) containing SiO2
diopside and wollastonite) as well as gas bubbles increase the opacity of the glaze
The glaze studied turned out to be a very complicated system
In order to unveil the secrets of its production we used a set of analytical methods
The morphology of the interface layer together with the composition of the glassy matrix and ceramic body clearly show that the glaze was applied on the dried clay body and fired in the kiln at one step at the temperature less than 1000 °C
The silica–lead glaze applied on the ceramic tile was colored with copper and iron ions and opacified/colored using the artificially prepared pigments—white (cassiterite SnO2 melted with PbO before adding to the glass)
yellow (mixture of Naples yellow and lead tin oxide type I)
copper filings (most probably in the form of oxides as burnt copper)
The originally added yellow and white pigments were transformed into new phases
such as Sb-doped tin oxide (Sn0.5Sb0.5O2) or monimolite (Pb3(SbO4)2)
We observed some similarities between Malbork’s glaze with Zaragoza glazes from 11th c
(Si/Pb ratio) and also with Italian maiolica (Si/Pb ratio
The technologies used confirmed the medieval origin of the green glazed tiles
Emery A. Malbork castle–Poland. Castle Stud Group J. 2007;21:138–156. http://www.castlestudiesgroup.org.uk/Malbork%20-%20Anthony%20Emery.pdf
Fundacje artystyczne na terenie państwa krzyżackiego w Prusach
Katalog wystawy w Muzeum Zamkowym w Malborku
Katalog wystawy w Muzeum Zamkowym w Malborku
Ancient Mesopotamian materials and industries
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interpreted the Raman spectra and wrote the paper together with DR
interpreted the diffraction patterns and wrote about electron microscopy
interpreted the data obtained taking into account the knowledge in the field of glass technology and wrote the paper together with SSP
All authors read and approved the final manuscript
The authors would like to thank the consortium Monument Service
POiKZ Malbork for providing the samples and co-funding the research
SSP would like to thank professor Maria Poksińska from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń for her precious advice
Prague) for μ-XRD measurements and help in data interpretation
Warsaw University of Technology) and Jan Pokorný (Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences) for micro-Raman spectroscopy measurements
University of Chemistry and Technology Prague) for valuable advice
We extend special gratitude to Grzegorz Muszyński for linguistic improvements
The authors declare that they have no competing interests
The research was carried out within the framework of the project “Conservation and building works in the complex of the Holy Virgin Church in the Castle Museum in Malbork”
co-funded from the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism for the years 2009–2014 (EEA FM 2009–2014)
within the Programme Conservation and revitalisation of cultural heritage
Writing the manuscript was possible thanks to the funding of Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw
Faculty of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Arts
The research project was supported by the National Science Centre in Poland (Grant No
Principal Investigator: Sylwia Svorová Pawełkowicz
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
Faculty of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art
Sylwia Svorová Pawełkowicz & Petr Svora
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-017-0141-6
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Solaris has delivered six electric buses to the Polish city of Malbork
The manufacturer received the order for the six electric 12-meter buses in July 2020 and has a longstanding relationship to the town in northern Poland
the official handover of the e-buses to Malbork’s public transport operator MZK Malbork makes the city “one of the most modern operators in Europe”
These new e-buses have joined an existing fleet of conventional Solaris buses
some of which started operations back in 2012
The buses that now arrived in Malbork are of type Urbino 12
Solaris equipped the vehicles with batteries with a total capacity of 240 kWh and said the construction allows for slow and fast charging
the buses will be recharged fast using inverted pantographs
MZK Malbork will plug in to charge at the bus depot
Each bus can carry up to 26 seated passengers
Drive comes via an electric axle with two integrated electric motors with a power of 125 kW
Solaris offers several battery-electric buses in series production and hydrogen fuel cell buses
which account for the above-mentioned orders in Austria and the Netherlands
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After three years of construction work and various education and training initiatives
the project ‘Altering the Historic Utility Buildings in the Outer Bailey of Malbork Castle and Adapting Them to Cultural and Education Purposes’
partially financed as part of the Culture Programme (EEA Financial Mechanism)
As what we call the castle summer season begins
we open the newly reconstructed Outer Bailey area to the public
The ribbon was cut by Marta Cienkowska – Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage
The castle library’s new education room debuted as an event venue
as that is where the opening ceremony took place
we are able to complete many projects that we would be unlikely to see through on our own
Our partnership with Norway is of particular importance
as it offers a different perspective and completely new experiences
and I hope that we are able to negotiate as much funding as possible
which is what I would like to wish the Castle Museum
as well as offering my congratulations on completing this project
which was years in the making and thus quite a challenge to overcome’
Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Education and National Heritage
The event was also attended by Annstein Brekke from Bodø
who accepted our thanks for the partnership
Advisor for Norway Grants at the Norwegian Embassy in Warsaw
talked about the length and importance of the partnership with the Castle Museum
which has participated since the early editions of the fund
and expressed hope that we continue to work together
and has received nearly 2 billion euros since 2004
This year marks the 20th anniversary of this partnership
as they offer enormous potential for collaboration on various levels: between people
Every project is an important element that fosters friendship between Poland and Norway
Cultural heritage is an important part of history and identity for us all
and more and more people are now saying that heritage protection plays an important role in social and economic life
which is why I am happy that Norway Grants contribute to preserving such important monuments as Malbork
and our goal is mutual exchange of knowledge
exchange of best practices and fostering relations between Poland and Norway’
honorary head of the International Historical Commission for Research on the Teutonic Order
congratulated us in a letter.‘I offer my sincere congratulations on completing the reconstruction of another part of the Outer Bailey
I wish you good luck in continuing the development of your culture and research centre
as Malbork is already a member of an international scholarly movement
Malbork is a reflection of European history
its importance proven in recent years by the fascinating exhibitions it has organised.’
The autumn of 2021 saw the commencement of the reconstruction of two utility buildings destroyed in 1945
The project involved restoring the historical buildings
while preserving all surviving mediaeval wall fragments and supporting them using a modern reinforced concrete structure
The construction and conservation work cost nearly PLN 21.5 million
around 12 million of which was granted via the Culture Programme of the EEA Financial Mechanism and by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage
the long-awaited tour of the new interiors began
The staff of the departments that will be making the move to the Outer Bailey showed the attendees their workshops
discussed their work and presented their new specialist equipment
The new buildings will house our research library
which will finally have ample space for its book collection of around 40,000 volumes
and will be able to expand its education efforts
The new Outer Bailey offers 2500 m2 of space across its basements and two storeys
These will house seven conservation workshops
the castle archives and certain completely new departments established in relation to the reconstruction: a collection digitisation workshop and the Centre for Post-Teutonic Heritage Research
which will focus on architecture and artefacts
The cutting-edge workshops were available to local residents
visitors and anyone else who came to see the Outer Bailey that day
making for a unique opportunity to explore places which are usually inaccessible and talk to the research staff who work there
The entire Outer Bailey offered a wealth of attractions
We would like to thank all our partners and today’s guests – it was important for us to have you here on such a momentous occasion
Chancellery of great masters On the ground floor of the west wing
to which a separate entrance led from the courtyard
there was the archive and the chancellery of the Order – one of the most important Teutonic offices
The chancellor of the great masters was at the head of the office
Perhaps there was also a so-called small office
which began operating in the second quarter of the 14th century at the time when the corporation was headed by Werner von Orseln
Malbork became the capital of the state of the Teutonic Order in Prussia
And such a central administrative apparatus was created in the Malbork castle
and its most important element was the office – the place where the Teutonic documents were prepared
The exhibition “The Chancellery of the Great Masters and the Religious State in Prussia” shows how such a chancellery operated
Here we will find out how a medieval writer (scribe) worked
how the seal was created and what tools were used
We will learn not only how the Teutonic post office operated
but also about – it is a treat for lovers of medieval secrets – that the Teutonic Knights encrypted some of their writings
The showcases of the exhibition also include contemporary copies of the most important documents from the territory of the Teutonic Order
such as: a copy of the document of the renewed location act for Malbork (1304)
the privilege for the Old Town of Toruń (1393)
or finally making a great impression due to the attached dozens of seals
a copy of the founding act of the Prussian Union (1440)
the privilege for the Old Town of Toruń ( 1393)
or finally making a great impression due to the attached dozens of seals
The exhibition presents the workshop of a medieval scribe
You can see the methods of document authentication and stamp making
the organization of the chancellery of the great masters
its staff and the organization of work of one of the most important links in the Teutonic administration were presented
is the functioning of the Teutonic post office
which distributed letters of great masters all over Europe
and the key to the ciphers can also be found on the display
The monastic mail is a good introduction to the second part of the exhibition
which will present the functioning of the monastic state in Prussia and the Teutonic Knights themselves
not as monks (this should be done in the High Castle)
a place where the most important state decisions were made in a small group of Teutonic dignitaries
There you will find the most common propaganda material of the Middle Ages – coins minted by the Teutonic Knights from the collection of the Castle Museum in Malbork
The history of the Cross worn by great masters will be presented
as well as reconstructions of costumes worn by the most important monastic dignitaries and their court
This part of the exhibition will be modified and enriched with new elements
and we will see its final version next year
The exhibition presents the history of the reconstruction and conservation works on Malbork’s walls
Prussian King Frederick William III officially initiated the first restoration of the castle
after years of destruction and numerous transformations
The first stage of restoration was completed in the period of Romanticism
The designs for the Palace of the Grand Masters and the west wing of the Middle Castle were prepared by Karl Friedrich Schinkel
while the works were supervised by Carl August Gersdorff
known as scientific or historical restoration
a prominent German conservator and architect
the former Gothic architecture and interior design was restored and furnished with furniture
including large valuable collections of militaria and numismatic items
The castle survived as a museum and an example of 19th-century conservation efforts until the Second World War
when it was heavily damaged as a result of a siege lasting several weeks
After the castle was returned to Poland in 1945
rubble was removed and conservation of the historic walls began
extensive construction and conservation works were carried out for many years
which allowed to restore the former glory to the castle
In contemporary times it has been possible to restore the interior of the Great Refectory
complete the reconstruction project of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the High Castle and restore the mosaic figure of the Madonna and Child
The exhibition mainly consists of reproductions of old photographs
as well as engravings and plans from the 19th and 20th centuries
One of the noteworthy exhibits is the 1903 plaster cast of the Madonna’s head from a large
eight-metre-high mosaic-covered figure that stood in the eastern niche of St Mary’s Church until 1945
The north wall features a cardboard panel from 1911 with a 1:1 scale design of a wall painting intended for the Chapel of St Anne
by the eminent painter and stained glass artist Hermann Schaper
Another exhibit worth mentioning is the wooden model of the castle complex
It depicts Malbork around the middle of the 15th century
with all its residential and farm buildings and fortification system