CASTLE OF KLAIPĖDA (PILIES MUZIEJUS)

The museum, located in the cellars of a tower of the former Klaipėda castle complex, traces the history of this Teutonic Order fortress and its construction. The castle is first mentioned in a document dated July 29, 1252. It consisted of a central "core" of buildings and two outer castles, surrounded by ditches, palisaded ramparts and linked by a bridge. The wooden castle, neighboring houses and farm buildings were guarded by a wooden defensive tower built on the coast of the Curonian Spit. It was then called Memelburg or Memel, the name taken by the town that grew up around the castle, which later became Klaipėda. Over the course of several wars, the castle was partially destroyed. In 1516, fortification work began, with the construction of bastions 32 m in diameter in 1519. The castle suffered extensive damage over time and was rebuilt several times. In 1770, the château was sold and the outer fortifications destroyed. The castle's stones were even used as building materials for the town. Today, its museum tells the story of Klaipėda between the ^13th and ^17th centuries, from its major events to the daily lives of its inhabitants in the town's heyday, with interactive displays and surprise drawers. Don't miss "Kurtina", which displays treasures from archaeological digs. A true journey into the past!