HISTORY

The construction works of the Teutonic Castle in Dzierzgoń began in 1248, as ordered by the national champion Heinrich von Wida. At its location there was chosen towering hill over the area, where previously  was a fortified city of Prussia, to protect the settlement lying at its feet. The fort was the seat of the Commander of Dzierzgoń, who also held the function of the Quatermaster (Obersttrappier) in the Order of the Teutonic Knights. During the heyday of the Teutonic Order  Dzierzgon castle was considered to be in possession of the largest arsenal of weapons comparing to  Malbork castle  and the second largest Brodnica granary. On the 7th., of February 1249, after completing the first uprising of Prussia was signed in the  Dzierzgoń castle  ordonnance called "Ugoda Dzierzgońska" (settlement of Dzierzgoń). This event took place in the presence of the papal legate Jacob of Leodium, who later became the Pope Urban IV Dzierzgoń was granted municipal rights on the April 7th., 1288, by the commander Helwig von Goldbach. During the war of Polish - Teutonic Knights between 1409 - 1411, the the Dzierzgoń's monks took part in the battle of Grunwald, under the leadership of Commander Albrech von Schwarzburg. Where their commander was killed in combat on 21st.,  July 1410.

By the way of Polish forces at Malbork, the Polish King Władysław Jagiełło entered Dzierzgon and stayed at the castle. Here the King received a delegation from the Prussian towns, including Elbląg, which gave him a tribute of fidelity. Jagiełło passed the authority over the castle to Zbigniew of Brzezina, as on the 24th., July he went himself to Malbork. In 1411 the castle was conquered by the Teutonic Knights.  42 Commanders served their role at the Dzierzgoń castle, among many of them later became the great masters of Teutonic Order. Amongst others were Luder of Brunszwik and Conrad von Wallenrod.  Under the peace treaty of Toruń in 1466,  the castle was returned to Poland, becoming the seat of the mayor and the municipal court. This office was held by members of the house of Bażyńscy, which later turned to Cem. On the basis of the constitution of 1611, the districts governer's function of Dzierzgoń was merged with the office of voivode of Malbork.  Since then Dzierzgoń has become the seat of administration for the central government. The courts were held for the whole province at the castle, where used to reside Regent. As a result of the first Polish partition, the town became boundary of the Prussian state. The Dzierzgoń was returned back to Poland in 1945.

HANDY INFORMATION

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
teutonic castle ruins of the thirteenth century "pomosty Bągarckie" (Bągart bridges) remnants of wooden track from the Roman period, possibly forming part of the Amber track
gothic churches in Dzierzgoń, Bągart, Jasna and Żuławska Sztumska
XVII - century monastery in Dzierzgoń
ruins of hunting palace in Prakwice, where the German Emperor and  the King of Prussia Wilhelm II, used to visit for hunting

CULTURE
The Civic Culture Centre (guest rooms), tel. +4855 276 26 47, www.dokdzierzgon.pl, e-mail: dok.dzierzgon@wp.pl, dok@dzierzgon.pl.

ACCOMODATION
Agrotourism farm Jadwiga Sołdaczuk, Budzisz, (Dzierzgoń commune)
Agrotourism farm Wojciech Sołdaczuk, Budzisz, (Dzierzgoń commune)

CATERING
Pizza "Prowansalska", ul. Słowackiego 19, tel. +4855 276 01 65
Bar "Pierożek", Plac Wolności 2, tel. +4855 276 25 44
Bar "Rożno", ul. Zawadzkiego 63
Café "CARO", ul. Odrodzenia 4
Bar "U Ludwika", ul. Limanowskiego 13
Pub "Belfer", ul. Przemysłowa 1
Pub "STOP", Żuławka Sztumska

EVENTS - Day of Komtur (knights in combat), Days of Dzierzgoń, Festival of Three Cultures

The Town Office (Urząd Miasta)
Plac Wolności 1, phone: +4855 276 25 01
www.dzierzgon.pl