Klaipėda Castle

[2] The castle was first mentioned in written sources in 1252, and underwent numerous destructions and reconstructions in the centuries that followed.

A written account of this plan is dated to 1252, when a Grand Master of the Teutons, represented by Eberhard von Sayn, made an agreement with the Curonian bishop to build this fortification.

This destruction was followed by reconstruction; in 1393 a major defensive tower was erected, which was, however, destroyed by the Lithuanians in the same year.

In 1408 and 1409 Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen arrived with additional military engineers, and the castle's upgrade was completed soon afterwards in 1409.

After the Teutonic Order lost the key Battle of Grunwald in 1410, the castle's military importance was sustained, as Lithuanian rulers regarded these territories as part of their patrimony.

A major excavation of the castle's site was performed in 1968 under the supervision of archaeologist Adolfas Tautavičius.

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.