Gniew

The Order of Brothers of the German House Saint Mary In Jerusalem, finally put every effort to take possession on the land of Gniew in 1283, their first possession on the left bank of the Vistula river. Based on the law of Chełmno in 1297 A.D. the city stood next to the Teutonic castle built to the pattern of convent castles. The monumental silhouette along with the church of St. Nicholas is still constitute the characteristic dominant of the southern panorama of Gniew. The Gniew Castle was the most powerful claim of the Teutonic Order on the left bank of the Vistula. Built at the turn of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, it was the home of the Knights commanders, and in the times of Poland, when the town belonged to Poland, it was a mayor’s seat. In the nineteenth century, rebuilt several times (granary, prison), eventually burned in the Great Fire in 1921. In the years 1968-1974, the FAMA Ship Machinery Works in Gniew undertook the first stage of the reconstruction of the castle, completed by laying the ceiling over the top storey, roofing the building and covering the roof with ceramic tiles. Under the public works in 1992, the Council of the Town and Commune of Gniew began the second stage of renovation including the construction of the ceiling in the west and east wings, adaptation of the interior and reconstruction of the chapel as well as adaptation of the Castle Hill to serve tourism purposes. Currnetly the Gniew castle is owned by the corporation of castles „Zamek Gniew”. Fortress also houses: Branch of the Archaeological Museum in Gdansk, Husar’s banner under the auspices of Marshal of Pomeranian Voivodeship, Yellow infantry regiment of Adolfusa Gustawusa II, Schola Cantorum Gymevensis Choir, Hunting Center and the Military History Society of the brotherhood of Gdansk. Since 1992, the castle has been used as a venue for spectacles, historical shows and chivalric tournaments. Today it is recognized as one of the major centers for promoting and maintaining the medieval tradition and heritage in Poland. Throughout the year are organized events,  conferences, conventions, scientific symposia,  banquets,  and historical feasts. In addition, the castle organizes a day or longer stays for organized youth groups from the „live history lesson”, a bonfire and a visit by the Ghost of the Gniew Castle.