Last modified: 2011-05-13 by andrew weeks Keywords: szczytno |
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us | mirrors The vicinity of Szczytno contains the only known
megalithic tombs in Warmia-Masuria and former East Prussia.
Between 1350 and 1360 Ortolf von Trier, a knight of the Teutonic
Order and the Komtur of Elbing (Elbląg) (1349-1371), founded a
fort in Galindia, probably near an Old Prusian settlement. The
first mentioning of the fort as Ortulfsburg was a document from
24 September 1360, after Ortolf invited Masovian colonists,
among whom the settlement became known as Szczytno. This
settlement, which was known for its beekeepers, became known as
Beutnerdorf. The first custodian of the settlement was Heinrich
Murer. In 1370 the wooden fort was destroyed by Lithuanians led
by Kęstutis, after which it was rebuilt using stone. The name
Ortulfsburg gradually changed into Ortelsburg. The settlement
grew in size owing to its location on a trade route from Warsaw
to Königsberg (now Kal