A different type of castle

This is the 14th century red-brick crusader castle in Lidzbark Warmiński (north-east Poland, former Prussia). It was built by the prince-bishops of Warmia as their main residence in the diocese after pagan Prussia was finally subjugated by the Teutonic order and its crusader allies during the so called ‘Baltic’ or ‘Northern’ crusades. The bishopric was part of the crusader archdiocese of Riga and was independent from the Teutonic Grand Masters with local bishops possessing the title of a prince and ruling their lands autonomously. It was here that one of the first schools for local Prussian boys in the Baltic crusader states was opened. The castle is among the best preserved of all the medieval fortresses of crusader Baltic. Its architecture closely resembles that of the Teutonic monastic castles and, although different from typical western fortresses it had a strong military function. The place was besieged a number of times by pagan Prussians, Lithuanian and later Polish armies (although surrounding walls are reduced in height preserved medieval arrow loops are still visible just beneath the roof). Inside there are preserved gothic cloisters, bishop’s private chambers, chapter house, refectories and chapels all decorated with gothic portals, vaults and frescoes. After the defeat of Teutonic order the bishopric retained its status although from the late 15th century mostly Poles were elected bishops.