Gdynia & Gdansk, Poland

We arrived in Gdynia, Poland one hour late.  The sea had seven to twelve foot waves and gale force winds during the night.  Because we were late arriving, we didn't get to see everything that was on the schedule.

Our first stop was the Oliwa Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1594.

Gdańsk Oliwa Archcathedral

Part of our visit to the cathedral included an organ concert.  The organ was designed and constructed from 1763-1788. At the time, it was the largest organ in Europe.  When the organ is played, the trumpets on the angel statues move as well as spinning stars.

Our next stop was to Marlbork Castle.  We had lunch at the castle and then had a tour.

Malbork Castle

The Teutonic Knights founded Malbork Castle at the end of the twelfth century in what was Prussia at the time.  It was originally called Marienburg, or Mary's Castle.  It was completed in 1406.

The Teutonic Knights were a German Roman Catholic religious order of crusaders.  The castle had to be expanded many times to accommodate the growing number of Knights.  It soon became the largest fortified Gothic building in Europe and is the biggest Teutonic order castle in Europe.  The castle has also served as one of the Polish royal residences.

The castle has undergone major reconstruction and restoration.  The main cathedral was restored just before World War II, was destroyed during the war, and is still in ruins today.  Marlbork Castle is the largest brick building in Europe.

The drive back to Gdansk from Malbork Castle was about an hour, so we had a quick walking tour of old town before going back to the ship.

Old Town Gdansk