the Teutonic Order state and capital - Malbork. From Malbork to Vienna of military order country builded after crusade.

 

 

 

It would seem that Malbork's castle, inscribed on the UNESCO list, is a truly famous monument, not only because of its rich history. Malbork is not only a huge castle; it is actually a city-fortress from the Middle Ages. It is also the capital of the Teutonic Order, the only state in history managed by a military order. Who were they?

 

The Order of Brothers House of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem, more commonly known as the Teutonic Order because of the black crosses on their coat, Founded in 1190, the catholic military order for aid and protection of Cristotelian pilgrimages to the Holy Land arose in the same way as the Templars in the crusades, to fight in defence of Jerusalem. It was the youngest order of fighting knights and is the only one that has survived in an unchanged form to this day, although nowadays the order is based in Vienna and has a more peaceful function. The main purpose is to help the poor and carry out missions in poor countries. The headquarters of Grand Master nowadays is Vienna, and what is the role of Malbork? This military order created a dream about what the Templars and Knights Hospitaller dreamed of: building their own country. Hospitaliers are ruling Malta. However, the Teutonic Order was considered the heirs of the Templars, also in these mystical matters. They got the Templars property, which gave them reasons for speculation.

 

 

 

 

The Teutonic Order state does not exist any longer, but Malbork has its own autonomous rights; the order continues to sponsor any renovation of the castle. In this huge castle consisting of several castles, to which it was possible to ride a horse to the main room, it is necessary to renovate all the time. Grand Master can visit the castle from time to time at the invitation of the president or on the anniversary of the common turbulent history of Poland and the Order.

We can not blame Konrad Mazowiecki, the Polish prince, for bringing order to this part of the world. Yes, he gave them three residences, but it is not a denying fact that he was at the time threatened by raids by pagan robbers who brutally killed or stole people for sale. Lonely in battle, he wanted to save his principality. He was not a consummate politician like a Great Master; he did not think that the crusades were a losing matter and the order would want something more. In his situation, every choice was bad. Trained knights came to the state-wavering conflict and took advantage of the situation. The fights with the order were not avoided and were to last for many hundreds of years.

 

 

 

For several centuries, Malbork was the seat of the Grand Master of the Order. The castle was expanding in proportion to the conquest of the Order. The order conducted business on a large scale, just as the Templars were owners of the first banks. Although the Order behaved aggressively, taking over the lands of Livonia and Poland under the pretext of pagan conversion, it should also be said that it contributed to the development of several matters, such as the unification of the system of measures and weights and the value of money—it is the Order's merits.

The Order, while in the Middle East, was also acquainted with technical novelties that were unknown in Europe. For the first time in Poland, entral heating was used in the castle. The system consisted of distributing steam from boiling boilers, like in the ancient Roman thermae. The running water was supplied by a pipe system.

 

 



Visiting the castle takes all day; it is possible only with a guide because some of the rooms are not open to visitors and it is very easy to get lost in them. It is very easy to get to the city of Malbork from Gdansk by very fast train. The problem begins after getting off the train. Information in the city is quite poor, and you need to ask the local people. Although a short 20-minute walk is not a big obstacle, maybe it is not an ability to use tourism or not appreciating what someone has. Appreciating monuments and using them for tourism (which can save money), unfortunately, is a problem in the countries of Central Europe. They are delighted with everything that is abroad, underestimating what they have

 

 

 

In any case, this symbol of the power of the order and the day of the crusades need to be visited. Whether the crusades were a good or bad idea, it was not a place to judge; probably European knights in heavy iron armour would not have to win in this climate, even in the heat. There were too few orders knights... but maybe if someone in Europe did not prance for dogmas with Byzantium and take their help, and in the last King of Jerusalem, Baoudouin le Lepreux, did not see only a leper man, but that one who saw another site, the great mind king, who really was honoured by the other side with respect, today many problems would not exist.

Vienna Teutonic Order headquarters

 

 

The seat of the Grand Master in Vienna can also be visited, there are many objects brought from Jerusalem. interestingly, the largest most famous cathedral in Vienna is also the cathedral of the Grand Master. We will  see also a polish accent on one of the paintings in Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome( one of papal basilica) - there is the residence of Malbork on one fresco.

 

International site about Malbork castle :
http://www.zamek.malbork.pl/

Teutonic order site (just in german): http://www.deutscher-orden.at/

The longest gothic cathedral of world, St Pierre cathedral in Paris -Beauvais

 

Anyone who uses low-cost airlines flying to Paris usually arrives at the airport in Beauvais, but hardly anyone stops in this place, but they should for a short while. Beauvais is a charming town where you can feel the real France. In France,  people with whom no one knows what to do do not stay in the streets but live in tents, and the famous Parisian thieves are not there. In Beauvais, there is a charming old square, several nice restaurants, and life flows peacefully. Here is also a little forgotten but very important monument of gothic architecture: the cathedral. The Cathedral of St. Pierre in Beauvais is one of the longest gothic cathedrals in the world. Unfortunately, it may disappear from this world soon. The reason for this is the mistaken design of the building that the architects of the cathedral made in the Middle Ages.

 

This is one of the most sophisticated Gothic cathedrals that was created. It's possible that the architect was the same man who built Gloucester Cathedral. There was the same problem with building construction. The inside of the chimney got a very high vault, and the choir's arcades became more sharp than usual. Changing the original plan and expanding the windows to 48 metres, and too weak a retaining wall system—flying buttress—which discharging the building's weight to the ground, led to the building's collapse—the first collapse of the building. Despite the doubling of the number of pillars in 1284, it did not protect the building from further problems of existence. Today, the building is reinforced by special steel constructions, which are also not able to ensure its eternal existence to the end. In my opinion, the cathedral is much more beautiful than the famous Notre Dame. It is also a building that can disappear soon. In the cathedral, we can also see a great mediaeval clock. St. Pierre, which owns the tallest Gothic vault in the world, is one of the longest Gothic cathedrals in the world. But soon it can be gone.

International site about the place: any

 

 

 

Scotland: Rosslyn and the Holy Grail

This William Sinclair family burial chapel became famous thanks to the book:''DaVinci's Code''
The content of the book may be a contentious issue (in any case, it's a great crime book for reading). Many legends have grown around this place:

Most known are, of course, the stories about the Templars and their Treasure of Nations.

The place of storage of the great Grail, or finally, the legend of a church's builder, is what the Terminator Column reminds us of. A disciple who outgrew his master's artistry. At the end, the master kills his student out of jealousy.

 

 

 

 

Rosslyn is, above all, a great example of Gothic achievement..Itarchitecture and sculpture. This small building inside hides a biblical story from the creation of the world to the apocalypse. Perfect gothic sculptures, legendarygothic mascarons looking evilat you from the walls, all medievalistic.

 

　

 

It is above all a book of the early mediaeval symbolism of Christianity, e.g.
5 stars indicate the wounds of Christ.
Roses refer to the Mother of God.
Sun, God
Wild menGhosts of nature guard the church from east to south and west to north.

 

The good and the evil tree- aas also a tree of the cross.

Today, in religion, such symbolism is no longer used. The arched roof is filled with roses, violets, marigolds, daisies, and other flowers. These ornaments do not conceal anything more than

theological knowledge, called the 'Bible of the Poor', about which we do not remember much today.

These sculptures were used to educate the faithful, mostly illiterate about religion, nothing more.

Contrary to appearances, there is nothing magical here. It's only art—great art.

 

Scotland: famous Rob Roy's grave -Balquhidder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Every Scot known  great who was Rob Roy. Many from outside Scotland know this character, from the movie under the same title with a famous actors. Unfortunetly beyond the proud Scots, not many know that this human really existed. Robert McGregor mostly known as Rob Roy - thanks the color of his hair- was the leader of the clan McGregor and was outlawed for supporting Jacobites.

Jacobites is a movement supporting the Stuart dynasty on the throne of Scotland ( very briefly note about this huge subject in history, related even to piracy in the Caribbean).

He plundered the prince's lands, escaped from jail, and gained fame as scottish Robin Hood. In 1725 he got abolition and  received landed property Balquhidder, where he moved with family.He's buried  here with his wife Helen ( the film uses her second name Mary) and his son.
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Not much remains of the legendary small  town actually just chapel and old cemetery. The brook flows past the cemetery, giving that place romatic, gothic atmosphere. At this cemetery  is the grave of one of Scotland's most famous national hero. Hero like from the myths and legends. Picturesque hills add a wonderful panorama to place of last rest in peace.

Scotland is a beautiful country and greatly organized for tourism. Although the roads are narrow, you will find here every monument even that most forgotten, is enough to follow the signs at road and advert.That people great known that tourism can give money and educate about history of your country.  That should to be praised. Even if we go astray- Scots are very kind people ... they will surely give us tips on how to get to the place.

 

II World War forgotten shoah memorials in Greater Poland. Konin (monument 1st)

 

 

 

 

 

The II World War in Greater Poland, for the jewish people did not run, as in other polish regions. We will not find here famous german monuments, as in the vicinity of Krakow. There were too many Jews here and to many forests. Konin and Koło were the worse exemples, especialy Konin, but nearby Koło we found as well many terrific symbols.  Nazis transformed the entire city into camps. Quiet , calm forests ''whose by silence, will suppress every shout''.During the war a railway line connecting Berlin and Warsaw ( in direct line) was created by using jewish hands.The romantic railway route through the meadows and forests has own scared secret.

After the rebellion of the Jews in the camp, people were deported. Where? In place which was best to get rid of them,at last they weren't even human creature, worser than animals. 

 They were shot in the surrounding forests. Not hundreds but thousands or even hundreds of thousands.This was  a procedure which today, in certain circles, is not allowed to speak, but it is necessary to speak. Nearly the town of Konin, the monument in forest  speaks about 1500 murded people. And this is the smallest number of  killed in these areas. Not only Jews but also Poles came here, but those in a smaller number of convicts  mostly for help. Old foreman  tell his story.

 ''The SS guards, came into the forester's house at three o'clock in the morning and put a gun to his head. One of them told...You will not say anything about it, you didn't see nothing 1,500 people, including women and children, were brought to the forest and they were told to dig down, a big whole in ground and then nazi soldiers shoot them down and throw them down.One young man survive because he pretended to be a corpse. No more such an ideology and such a war, he says. But I'm worried that now people again love that ideology. When they gone. I went there. I helped that man scramble out under corpses. Where he gone? Did he survive?'' He began to cried.

Describing the massacred heads of small children,they were several years old.''They did not even bury them good. ''added. Unfortnetly he died , so he can't educated people longer.'He told at the end:

' For what? It was not even meat for them.''

 

 

 

 

It is an image of faith and the idea that one nation can be better than another. It is an image of the fact that some people consider themselves better races than others. It's not too many years. Yet many people still believe in these ideas. What's worse are those who used to be on the other side. Maybe they should go to such places or listen a story of old people who will leave us soon and gone to a better world, the natural force of things. Who will teach then them?
Places like that never should be forget. Beautiful , calm , quiet forests , isn't it....
In that region you will find thousands place like that. Forgotten probably the most important symbols of that ideology which now back to life.

The mysterious ancient slavic god statue, the church, the killer of polish president - Konin parish church and famous Konin Pillar , where story of polish assassin of president begin- Konin Pillar and parish church

Eligiusz Niewiadomski was polish painter
who in  politcal protest killed the first polish president - Gabriel Narutowicz.Case have never been clarified to the end, which born many speculation. Niewiadomski was officially recognized as a madman. However we don't know that he only played madman or was. To this day, many theories believe that the murder was ordered. It is amazing that a well-paid painter decided to do something like that.His greatest masterpiece is possible to find in the parish church in Konin.He made all frescos.  That case was in Poland something like case of John Fitzgerald Kennedy murder, many years ago in USA. Why? Who? On whose behalf? to this day is many questions without the answer. Parish church in Konin has a lot mysteries.

That beautiful church has own secrets.

 

 

 

                  


In front of the parish church in Konin is a statue. The old sculpture resembles the figure of a man whose hand was touched.We can say that it is a man just with head.  This is a Konin Pillar. Probably the oldest road sign in Europe. Everything tell us that orginally a column was the statue of a slavic ancient god and the place where stands was ancient pagan's santuary. When came christianity, the statue was transformed into a milestone.


 

 

 

The pillar is located in an equal distance between Calisia (the oldest polish city, known even in roman empire historical books) and Kruszwica. Interesting is as well note on the pillar. It comes from the same time that romanesque cross which is placed in the walls of the church and is perfectly located in opposite to the statue.

Penitential cross ... thats sure but if so, who did penance and for what?

 It could not be anything unimportant, that crosses were not funded for nothing.

Is possible that it was a form of education of the population which showed the victory of the new faith over the old. One is certain, it is the only such type of monument in Poland. Behind the pillar is the parish church. It is the oldest church in Konin and very richly decorated. The painter, who later became famous as the assassin of the first polish president, Gabriel Narutowicz, made the renovation in the 1920s and painted all the frescoes. 

 

 

 

 

 

That pillar is probably the most mysterious monument in Poland

                                            

Grave of Pocahontas aka Rebecca Rolfe- famous Native American princess in Gravesend , UK

 

 

 

Pocahontas, an Indian princess whose name is known by everyone, mostly from fairy tales. Not many people know that this story really happened. Her name was Matoaka, she was the daughter of the paramount chief Powhatan . Durning the very strong winter she repeatedly provided food for new settlers at Jamestown , after John Smith saved, was with him in very close relationship. Perhaps a young teenager too seriously approached acquaintance with John Smith. In January 1609 she warned the settlers,against her own father, who was going to kill them. This decision decided about the princess's rest of life, she must left tribe. This decision decided as well about future of North America. In October 1609, John Smith left for England, where he set out for further adventures. Matoaka survived a nervous breakdown after being told that John Smith was injured and left her. While living in Jamestown she received baptism and met her future husband John Rolfe. Initially, they were just friends. The marriage was a more peaceful treaty rather than a relationship with great love. Then Powhatan gave the part of his  land officially to the Europeans, it was the unique peaceful handover of the land with the treaty.Then Powhatan gave the part of his  land officially to the Europeans, it was the unique peaceful handover of the land with the treaty by Native Americans .

 

 

 

Although many testify that John Rolfe loved his wife from the beginning. Matoaka loved him after some time. Thanks to his wife John Rolfe, established his tobacco plant -Varina Farms. He soon became a wealthy and influential man in America and England. In 1615, their son Thomas was born. In 1616 she went to England with her husband to fight for Indian rights to their own lands. She met with King James I. Outside, she was called as an "Indian princess"but in fact treated more as an exotic toy. When she and her husband settled in his residence in Norfolk, John Smith visited her. According to legend, the woman did not accept his ambiguous proposals and sent him off. Finally, she told him that in life did not meet the bigger liar than his nation. Over time, the princess has become a problem which demanding too much. She was fighting for the rights of the Indians to the end. King James, he made another problem, which he did not know how to withdraw. Powhatan got the tittle of the prince, the Indians saw it as a sign that they would be treated equally. James thought it was only a title. This fact supposedly did not like the court, people whispered about his lie. Rebecca Rolfe died before her return to America, for blackpox or poison. To poison , may inadvertently contribute John Smith himself, who wrote many letters to the Queen Anna , about the princess and her position in New Lands.''Love is a gift to us and Christianity might turn to ... scorn and fury', and England could lose the chance to rightly have a Kingdom. by means of her'' - he wrote.This letter could also  contributed to the death of the princess.

 

 

 

 

Matoaka did not return to America, she was buried at the church in Gravesend. Her husband never returned to England. A statue of a princess by a church, is a copy of a monument from Jamestown. In 2006, the place of her rest for the first time visited the Native Americans, who celebrated their ceremony. Her descanant still alive. John Rolfe sworn after her death that : he would never return to England again. He kept his word.

International site about place : http://www.visitgravesend.co.uk/