Joseph von Eichendorff towards the Initiative to Rebuild Castle in Malbork

Abstract

Joseph von Eichendorff, one of the greatest German poet of Romantic era, was staying in Gdańsk as Prussian official from 1821 to 1824. He was counselor for Catholic education in Consistory. In my article I deal with one of the less known aspects of his official activity, therefore participation in prevention from destruction and reconstruction of Malbork’s castle. This task was entrusted to him by his superior overpresident of West Prussia (ger. Oberpräsident Westpreussen), Theodor Schön. Esteemed writer has proven himself as a spokesman for a large, nationwide project. His involvement is slightly forgotten, although Eichendorff’s spectacular merit. In 1844, on the initiative of the royal court, a poet’s book was published. This book was describing the history of the reconstruction of the castle. Under the shorter title Die Marienburg was resumed three more times.