Burg Tapiau, Medieval fortress in Gvardeysk, Russia.
Burg Tapiau is a stone fortress located at the southeastern end of Samland in Gvardeysk, where the Deime River branches from the Pregel River in Kaliningrad Oblast. The northwest wing and vaulted cellars still show the original medieval construction techniques.
The Teutonic Knights built an initial wooden fortification in 1265, which was later rebuilt in stone under Grand Master Siegfried von Danenfeld in 1351. This stone reconstruction transformed it into a permanent fortress against repeated regional threats.
The fortress displays architectural features reminiscent of Königsberg Castle, particularly in its star vaults and animal head decorations on the console sections of the main floor. These details reflect the artistic preferences of the period's builders.
The site now operates as a correctional facility and can only be viewed from outside by visitors. It is advisable to photograph from the street and to respect the institution's boundaries.
In 1474, Bishop Dietrich von Cuba died under unexplained circumstances within the castle walls while it served as the Grand Commandery administrative center. The exact circumstances of his death remain a mystery in local history.
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