Zespół bram między przedzamczem a Nogatem w Malborku z XIV wieku. Przyczynek do badań słabo poznanych elementów założenia zamkowego

This analysis was prompted by the discovery of a fragment of a medieval wall at Malbork Castle during an archaeological inspection in 2023. Drawing from early modern inventory descriptions, maps, and panoramas of the castle, it was determined that this fragment belonged to a previously unidentified complex of gates located between the outer bailey and the Nogat River. These gates have not yet been fully recognised or properly identified by researchers. Although limited archaeological investigations have taken place in this area, they have not provided substantial information about this gate complex. The most well-known of the gates was the first one, positioned near St Lawrence Church. Historical sources describe a long, narrow entrance passage extending westward from this gate. Along the passage’s side walls were two additional gates, referred to as the Grain (Ger. Korn) or Granary (Ger. Kornhaus) Gates, named after a large nearby granary on the Nogat River. The northern gate led towards the granary, while the southern gate provided access to the town of Malbork. In front of the southern gate was a transverse moat, crossed by a drawbridge. Another gate branched off towards the river. To the west of the gate complex was a small walled courtyard, surrounded by various buildings mentioned in surviving records. An analysis of these sources enabled the partial reconstruction of the gate complex, which did not survive the Swedish Deluge in its original form. However, key aspects – such as the dimensions of the complex, the precise layout of the walls, and the construction techniques – still require further investigation.