Medieval History
The Teutonic Knights have long been reviled in Poland, where the Germanic warriors swept in during the Middle Ages and converted pagans to Christianity at the point of a sword. Many here see them as an early incarnation of a Germany that has attacked Poland over the centuries, most recently in World War II.
But now one Polish town is putting all grudges aside and celebrating the memory of the Teutonic Knights in an attempt to highlight the rich history of this once-German municipality and stimulate tourism in a region still catching up with Western Europe economically.
In an elaborate ceremony Saturday that drew hundreds of people, Roman Catholic priests consecrated the newly discovered remains of three of the order's 14th- and 15th-century leaders -- or "grand masters" -- with a Mass in the city's St. John the Evangelist Cathedral.
The cathedral is part of a massive red-brick fortress that was once a base for the knights' notorious raids, an imposing reminder to the town's 40,000 inhabitants of its German past.
"This history belongs to this city," said Wojciech Weryk, who leads a drive to promote Kwidzyn. "It is a very good product from the point of view of history and tourists."
Click here to read the article from CBS News
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Medieval History
Once deadly warriors, today tourist draw: Polish city trying to cash in on Teutonic knights
The Teutonic Knights have long been reviled in Poland, where the Germanic warriors swept in during the Middle Ages and converted pagans to Christianity at the point of a sword. Many here see them as an early incarnation of a Germany that has attacked Poland over the centuries, most recently in World War II.
But now one Polish town is putting all grudges aside and celebrating the memory of the Teutonic Knights in an attempt to highlight the rich history of this once-German municipality and stimulate tourism in a region still catching up with Western Europe economically.
In an elaborate ceremony Saturday that drew hundreds of people, Roman Catholic priests consecrated the newly discovered remains of three of the order's 14th- and 15th-century leaders -- or "grand masters" -- with a Mass in the city's St. John the Evangelist Cathedral.
The cathedral is part of a massive red-brick fortress that was once a base for the knights' notorious raids, an imposing reminder to the town's 40,000 inhabitants of its German past.
"This history belongs to this city," said Wojciech Weryk, who leads a drive to promote Kwidzyn. "It is a very good product from the point of view of history and tourists."
Click here to read the article from CBS News
- Jacques De Molay, Templar, Died On This Day In 1314
Today marks the 700th anniversary of the execution of Jacques de Molay, Grand Master of the Knights Templar. For many historians this day marks the unofficial end of the Templars, the military monastic order that for about two hundred years defended Jerusalem...
- Environmental Crusaders: How Medieval Knights Remade Poland?s Ecosystems
In 1280, victorious Teutonic Crusaders began building the world?s largest castle on a hill overlooking the River Nogat in what is now northern Poland. Malbork Castle became the hub of a powerful Teutonic state that crushed its pagan enemies and helped...
- 2,200 'knights' Reenact Medieval Battle In Poland
Some 2,200 "knights" from across Europe donned suits of armour, flowing capes and linen shirts on Sunday to reenact one of medieval Europe's bloodiest battles.The Battle of Grunwald, which took place 600 years ago, still raises emotions among Poles...
- Poland Celebrates 600th Anniversary Of The Battle Of Grunwald
The county of Poland is marking the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Grunwald, which helped to secure the country?s independence, with various celebrations and re-enactments. Among those who took part in ceremonies were Polish president-elect Bronislaw...
- Battle Of Grunwald Comic Book Competition
The Royal Wawel Castle, in Krakow, Poland, has announced a competition for writers and artists to create a comic book inspired by the victory of Polish and Lithuanian troops over the Teutonic Order on July 15, 1410. It is open to young people in the...