Great Refectory

In the west wing, the Grand Refectory is adjacent to the Palace of the Grand Masters – the largest and most magnificent interior in the entire secular architecture of the Order. The surprisingly spacious vault, supported on three slender pillars, added to the monumentality of this hall, intended for joint feasts of knights – guests from Western Europe, coming in large numbers to help the Teutonic Knights in their fight against the pagans. It was estimated at around 400 people. In Polish times, the hall also served as a dining room, where the staroste hosted the castle crew. The interior still impresses with its great architectural proportions, an innovative solution of the vault structure supported by three slender columns and a subtle moderation in the use of decorations. At that time, its walls were covered with old painting decorations, of which only a small fragment with the representation of the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary has survived to our times. Fourteen large pointed windows, arranged in both longitudinal walls, perfectly illuminated this spacious interior, which undoubtedly must have made a great impression on the visitors.