During the Thirty Years' War, in 1626 and 1629 Swedish forces occupied the castle. They invaded and occupied it again 1656 to 1660 during the Deluge. The main entrance provides access to the Middle Castle. It is secured with five iron-bound gates standing one behind the other. Behind the first massive arch lies a wooden bridge that spans over a moat. Today it is static, but in the past it could be drawn up. Past this lies a portcullis, which could be lowered almost instantaneously if the castle was under threat. The ground is corbelled, and specially-laid stones marked the way for carts to they did not damage the walls. Malbork’s gates were designed to accommodate horses, but each was equipped with a smaller door that could be opened to admit those travelling by foot.
The main entrance provides access to the Middle Castle. It is secured with five iron-bound gates standing one behind the other. Behind the first massive arch lies a wooden bridge that spans over a moat. Today it is static, but in the past it could be drawn up. Past this lies a portcullis, which could be lowered almost instantaneously if the castle was under threat. The ground is corbelled, and specially-laid stones marked the way for carts to they did not damage the walls. Malbork’s gates were designed to accommodate horses, but each was equipped with a smaller door that could be opened to admit those travelling by foot.