Radzyn Chelminski: The Captivating History of a Castle of the Teutonic Order

Radzyń Chełmiński is located far from the big cities of Poland and is 15 km (9.32 Mlies) from Grudziądz in Cuiavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. Near the castle there is a small town with about 2,000 citizens. It is known as one of the most beautiful ruined castles in Poland.

The castle was built in a square formation, characteristic of the Teutonic Knight's Commanderies’ style. It is located on a small hill near Castle Lake. The castle is one of the oldest built by the Teutonic Knights in this region, and also one of the biggest. Malbork is the only castle in the territory of Poland that is bigger than Radzyń castle. The castle was once used for the safekeeping of treasure and also a very important strategic point for the Teutonic Order near the Baltic Sea.

Malbork Castle from across the Nogat. (Public Domain)

A Magnificent Example of Medieval Architecture

The first fortification in this area appeared in 1015 AD. Later, the land belonged to the bishop Chrystian, who gave it to the Teutonic Order. An old legend tells a story about the knights who came to Radzyń with Herman von Balk. When they stood on the hill, he saw three important hillfords around, so he decided to bury a foundation stone and initiate the construction of the castle. The granite stone was carved with the symbol of a wheel with eight spokes, which became a symbol on the seal of the knights of Radzyń castle.