Malbork is perhaps the largest castle in all of Europe, originally built by the Teutonic Knights in the 1300s. Much work was put into the conservation of this starting in the 1700s – one of the first such efforts of historic conservation – and the castle contained many museums and much original furnishings prior to World War II. This was commonly visited by international VIPs, including Hitler. Hitler, who claimed to have an appreciation of art and history, ordered this castle FORTIFIED and defended against the Russian advance. The castle held out for two months – the German commander received an iron cross – against 20th century armaments. Essentially everything was destroyed. The European community has spent decades in reconstruction of both the walls and museums; the church was just reopened last year.
Advice to visitors. To begin: visit this place, but plan to spend at least a whole day. Upon entering the castle area, you will be approached by people offering to give you a personal (and “better”) tour, for about $50. Do not do this: the audio headphones that the castle will provide (for 50 złoty) are excellent, and will direct you from place to place and provide good general information. The displays are comprehensive (I enjoyed the detailed exhibit on construction and use of quill pens and paper up to circa 1700s.)
Some pictures of the castle environment are shown here, but one cannot appreciate the general extent of this castle except from aerial view.