Waldau Castle Ruins, Nizov'e, Russia

The earliest official mention of building a fortress in Waldau comes from a chronicle dating to 1258. The name of the castle derives from the Baltic Prussian language, where it meant 'to own'. And in fact, the surrounding lands belonged to two Prussian landowners: Brulant and Diabel, who were called 'tenants' or 'dukes'. In 1264, the dukes were obliged by the Teutonic Knights to set up an inn, in which Teutonic knights, clergymen and soldiers would stay. There, travelling merchants would spend time discussing the ups and downs of commerce over a pint of barley beer or a bottle of cider.

When the lands of Nadrovia and Sudovia had been occupied by the tribe of Yotvingians, the border between the Monastic State of the Teutonic Order and Lithuania moved eastwards. As a result, the fortress of Waldau ceased to serve a defensive role. In 1457 the old building was converted into a residential castle, which from then on served as a summer residence of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order. When the Order was secularized in 1525, the castle turned into a seat for the administrative authorities in the district of Waldau. In 1858 an agricultural school was established in the castle. Afterwards the castle was completely redesigned and changed into a popular school for teachers.

The history of Waldau Castle contains one event which, on the initiative of local people, was commemorated in 1997 by placing a plaque on the walls of the castle. On 17th (27th) May 1697, the castle hosted Russian emissaries, headed by Admiral Franc Jakovlewitz Lefort (1656 - 1699). The Tsar's chronicler wrote on that day: 'Tsar Peter I arrived on this day to enquire about the well being of the emissaries and to finally confirm the meeting ceremony with Kurfürst (The Prince Elector of the German Reich). In the evening, Tsar Peter I left for Königsburg and the Russian emissaries set off from Waldau early morning the next day.'

Today the castle in Nizovye, despite its old age, makes a great impression on the visitors. Parts of the former castle outbuildings have remained until today and the castle itself still houses an agricultural school.

References:

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User Reviews

Лидия Горлова (2 years ago)
Impressions of the castle are very exciting and bewitching. I liked the tapestries and antique furniture, and when you stand in the vaults of the castle or walk around the premises, the feeling of the "ancient Spirit" permeates the whole body, the imagination is played out ... Right in the castle we watched a historical documentary about the owners of the castle and its significance for that time. It is wonderful that there is an opportunity to see, walk around and touch the castle a little. Very atmospheric! Places-"backgrounds for photos" just a million! You can drink coffee or tea. We drank mint tea, very tasty. There are 100 rose bushes growing around the castle, the color is just amazing! The family that restores the castle are very friendly, kind and strong-spirited people. Restoring the castle is not for everyone, let's face it! I recommend visiting with the whole family.

Татьяна Таранцова (3 years ago)
Rodion and I have arranged a magical evening for ourselves today. We went to the village. Nizovka, to the Waldau castle, founded in 1264 by the knights of the Teutonic Order. We walked along a dark alley, to the lights that illuminate the castle. There is something mystical about it. The castle does not look like a classic one with towers and loopholes. It looks more like an estate with vast grounds. We were greeted by hospitable hosts, Nadezhda, Sergei Sorokins and their boys. In the outhouse you will be happy to make a cup of coffee or aromatic tea. I was impressed by the kitchen on the first floor and an interesting lifting device to the second floor. With its help, cooked dishes are lifted up to the 2nd floor in the guest room. Furnishings, furniture, dishes, interiors, tapestries, paintings - everything is old and atmospheric. Here you can dine with pleasure. Feeling like you've moved in time. And she became the princess of this castle. Next time we will visit them for dinner. It turned out that we were not the only ones who chose to spend this evening at the castle. The striking of the clock invited us to the galleries, where a surprise awaited us. Majestic and solid. Huge halls, one of which has a theater stage. We listened to an opera today. The opera-buffa is associated with the traditions of the popular comedy of masks (dell'arte) by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. Performers: lyric-coloratura soprano Evgeny Dumkin, baritone Daniil Antonov. Very gentle execution. And the plot is relevant to our time. What do we choose? Live communication, love, meetings, actions? Or talking on the phone and now playing games. It makes you think about it, how much time we spend on real life, and how much on virtual reality. ? The evening is wonderful. Don't sit at home watching TV or phones. Seek and find. You will find bright and sincere people and wonderful events.

Татьяна Костина (3 years ago)
A very interesting place. By prior arrangement, the excursion is conducted by the owner of the castle, Nadezhda. The cafe serves delicious specialty coffee.

Alexander Kldiashvili (4 years ago)
Interesting exposition

Ольга Мадестова (4 years ago)
Awesome place. When you visit the museum, you immerse yourself in the times of the Knights of the Teutonic Order. Thanks to the excellent guide Galina Vasilievna for immersion in history. This is one of the most iconic places when visiting the Kaliningrad region. I recommend to everyone!

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