Elbląg

Elbląg´s history dates back to 1237 when the Teutonic Order constructed a fortified stronghold here. The castle subsequently served as the official seat of the Teutonic Order Masters. The city itself was founded under the protection of the Teutonic Order by craftsmen and merchants coming from Lübeck. In 1246, Elblag was granted city rights according to Luebian law.

Elbląg became part of the Hanseatic League, which contributed much to the city's wealth. At the beginning of the 14th century, the city had grown so much that in 1337 the Commander Siegfried von Sitten laid out the Elblag New Town outside the gates.

In 1397 the "Eidechsenbund" ("Lizard League") was formed and the rebellion of the nobility and towns against the rule of the Order began. After the Battle of Grunwald (Battle of Tannenberg) Polish troops besieged the Elbing Castle of the Order in 1414, but without success.

In 1478 the previously independent halves of the town, the Old and New Towns of Elbing, merged.

Elbląg joined Poland in 1454 and after the defeat of the Teutonic Knights in the Thirteen Years’ War was recognized as part of Poland.

After WWII the Old Town district was completely in ruins. So by now, new buildings try to recreate the old silhouette. Seen in the backdrop is the Brama Targowa (Markttor, Market Gate).