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The construction 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.
During the war of Polish and 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. Their commander was killed in combat.
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. 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. The Poles burned down the castle in Dzierzgoń twice during the war with the Teutonic Knights in 1410 and 1414. Under the peace treaty of Toruń in 1466, the castle was returned to Poland, becoming the seat of the mayor and the municipal court.
References:Trenčín Castle is relatively large renovated castle, towering on a steep limestone cliff directly above the city of Trenčín. It is a dominant feature not only of Trenčín, but also of the entire Považie region. The castle is a national monument.
History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.
Today’s castle was probably built on the hill-fort. The first proven building on the hill was the Great Moravian rotunda from the 9th century and later there was a stone residential tower, which served to protect the Kingdom of Hungary and the western border. In the late 13th century the castle became a property of Palatine Matúš Csák, who became Mr. of Váh and Tatras.
Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.