Klaipėda Castle

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Klaipėda Castle, also known as Memelburg or Memel Castle, is an archeological site and museum housed in a castle built by the Teutonic Knights in Klaipėda, Lithuania, near the Baltic Sea. The Teutons called the castle Memelburg or Memel,^[1] and Klaipėda was generally known as Memel until 1923, when Lithuanian military forces took over the city.^[2] The castle was first mentioned in written sources in 1252, and underwent numerous destructions and reconstructions in the centuries that followed. During the 19th century, having lost its strategic importance, the castle was demolished. Archeological work was performed at the site during the 20th century, and in 2002 a museum was established underneath one of its bastions.

Contents 1 History 2 Castle today 3 See also 4 Notes 5 References 6 External links

[edit] History

The Christian Teutonic Order had been waging an ongoing war against the Prussians during the 13th century; in order to entrench their gains, the Teutons built a number of castles in the area. One such castle was planned for a location between the Nemunas and Danė rivers. A written account of this plan is dated to 1252, when a Grand Master of the Teutons, represented by Eberhard von Seyne, made an agreement with the Curonian bishop to build this fortification.^[3] In the same year the Christians constructed the castle and named it Memelburg. The new castle was wooden, protected by a tower, and was in a marshy area.^[4] It is likely that this first castle was located on the left bank of the Danė river. It soon became a prime outpost in the war between the Christian Orders and the pagan Lithuanians allied with the Samogitians.

Probably because the low-lying area in which the first castle was built presented problems, a new stone castle was erected on the right bank of the Danė river in 1253.^[1] In 1629 the castle was devastated by Swedish attacks; it later suffered major fire damage. In 1757 the castle sustained severe damage during a war with Russia. The last known reconstruction of the castle was done in 1763.

During the late 18th century the castle lost its military importance and fell into disrepair. It was partially dismantled and its parts and materials were sold by local authorities. Between 1872 and 1874 the last remaining buildings were demolished.

[edit] Castle today

A major excavation of the castle's site was performed in 1968 under the supervision of archaeologist Adolfas Tautavičius. At that time a major cultural layer of the former Teuton castle was discovered. Excavations at the site have been ongoing since 1975; the work has been delayed by the urbanization of the area, which is near the Port of Klaipėda. Plans have been made to remove surrounding structures; this removal is scheduled for completion in 2009.

On August 1, 2002, in celebration of the City of Klaipėda's 750th anniversary, a museum was opened at the castle.^[5] The museum is located in the Prince Fredric chamber under the bastion, where artillery was stored in the 17th century. Visitors may familiarize themselves with the excavated findings, view the authentic remaining sections of the castle, and follow its historical development. The City of Klaipėda, in partnership with the European Network of National Heritage Organisations, envisions a re-integration of the castle and its surroundings with the Old Town and the Curonian Lagoon.^[6] The castle's site has since become one of Klaipėda's most popular tourist attractions. The annual Klaipėda Castle Jazz Festival is held on the grounds.^[7]

[edit] See also

• List of castles in Lithuania

[edit] Notes

[edit] References

• Jonas Genys. Kuriasi Klaipėdos pilies muziejus. Retrieved on 2007-08-24
• The History Museum of Lithuania Minor. Pilies muziejaus ekspozicija. Retrieved on 2007-08-24

[edit] External links

• [1] Map of area surrounding the castle

Coordinates: 55°42′20″N, 21°07′44″E