Taplaken Castle in Talpaki

(54.651017, 21.343068) 

Before the erection of Insterburg Castle, the Taplaken was a small stronghold situated at the confluence of the Nene River with the Pregel. In the second half of the 14^th century the castle was the centre of Kammeramt. In 1376, it was conquered and burnt by troops of Lithuanian Duke Keistut. Construction of new fortifications soon started, but at that time they were built in stone. There are mentions of an underground passage leading to the river. After the reconstruction, the castle continued to serve as the residence of the head of the chamberlain. The castle was mentioned in the text of the Second Peace of Thorn in 1466. There were salt mines near the castle, but they had become unprofitable by the 16^th century.

After the secularisation of the Order’s lands, it was a ducal domain.

Taplaken Castle

Taplaken Castle

Taplaken Castle

Taplaken Castle

Taplaken Castle

 D. I. Veber

Tags: castles and fortresses, 14 century, 15 century, Teutonic Order (Prussia)