The Polish-Teutonic Past in the History of Wielkopolska
The history of Wielkopolska, particularly its eastern and southeastern regions—specifically the former Ląd-Konin and Kalisz lands—reflects significant Polish-Teutonic interactions, especially during the 14th and 15th centuries. The borderlands between Wielkopolska and Kujawy were crucial battlegrounds in the conflicts between Poland and the Teutonic Order.
Polish-Teutonic relations became increasingly tense after the Teutonic Order annexed Gdańsk Pomerania in 1308. From the reign of Władysław Łokietek onward, eastern and southeastern Wielkopolska became a central region of conflict. The first Teutonic military expedition against Konin and Kalisz took place in the summer of 1331, followed by a second expedition in autumn of the same year.
The Polish Kingdom was fortunate in that the arrival of Czech King John of Luxembourg was delayed, preventing even greater devastation. Many cities, including Uniejów, Konin, Słupca, Pyzdry, Poznań, Pobiedziska, Gniezno, and Żnin, were destroyed or burned, although the Gniezno Cathedral was spared. The Teutonic knights looted numerous churches, and parts of Kujawy were annexed into the Teutonic state in Prussia. Despite attempts to regain lost territories through legal processes (such as the Inowrocław process in 1320-21 and the Warsaw process in 1339), no territorial gains were achieved for Poland.
In 1343, the Treaty of Kalisz was signed, bringing relative peace to the Polish-Teutonic borderland. It marked a significant turning point in the ongoing conflicts and remains an important historical event. This year marks the 675th anniversary of the Teutonic invasion of Wielkopolska and the Battle of Płowce, an event that continues to shape the cultural heritage of the region.
Despite diplomatic efforts, Poland was unable to regain access to the Baltic Sea, which significantly hampered its economic growth.
Cistercian monks from the Ląd Abbey, many of whom hailed from bourgeoisie families in Kolonia, played an important role in fostering peaceful Polish-Teutonic relations. Since 1306, they had control over the Godziszew (or Kłodawa) provostry near Gniew, Pelplina, and Tczew, which had previously been under the influence of Benedictines from Mogilno. In the 1339 Warsaw process, Cistercians from Ląd and Franciscans from Pyzdry were among the witnesses.
The Polish-Lithuanian Union at Krewo in 1385 marked a pivotal shift in Polish foreign policy. Though expansion into Ruthenia was briefly halted, efforts to recover Gdańsk Pomerania resumed. Prominent Wielkopolska figures, especially those from the Konin region, played key roles in these efforts, including Andrzej Łaskarz, a prominent diplomat and bishop of Poznań, and Zawisza the Black, renowned for his valor at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410.
Łaskarz’s influence extended beyond military and diplomatic efforts; he played a central role in the development of the church in Gosławice, which was founded by Łaskarz and his nephew, Jan from Licheń. The church’s architecture was inspired by the St. Maurice Church in Konstanz, and it reflects the cultural and diplomatic ties of the time.
One of the most significant events in the Polish-Teutonic conflict was the Thirteen Years’ War (1454–1466). During this period, a convention between King Casimir Jagiellonian and the Prussian Confederation was held in Koło, a town located within the historic Konin district. This event, which preceded the incorporation of Prussia into the Crown of Poland, set the stage for the foundation of the Bernardine Monastery in Koło, which became a symbol of peace after the war.
In the late 15th century, Ambroży Pampowski, starost of Konin and later general starost of Wielkopolska and Malbork, played a significant role in Polish politics. He expanded former Teutonic castles in Sobowidz and Skarszew, further integrating these regions into Polish control.
During the period leading up to the secularization of the Teutonic Order and the Prussian Homage of 1525, many knights from the Konin region served at the court of Grand Master Albrecht von Hohenzollern. Among them were the heirs of Russocic and Rychwał. Wojciech from Rychwał, grandson of Marcin from Sławsk, was pardoned by King Sigismund the Old, despite his past criminal activities. His story is a reminder of the turbulent times in the region, and the ruins of his small castle in Rychwał remain as a historic site.
The “Route to Malbork” trail traces one of the paths taken by Western European knights during the great Teutonic expeditions to Lithuania and Samogitia in the 14th and 15th centuries, often around Easter and Christmas. The route highlights two of the most significant relics of Polish medieval heraldry: the Church in Gosławice and St. Jacob’s Chapel in Ląd on Warta. The trail also connects various locations tied to the knighthood of Wielkopolska, which played an active role in the struggle against the Teutonic Order.
Variant I:
Wrocław → Leszno → Pępowo → Krotoszyn → Kalisz → Konin → Koło → Brdów → Toruń → Kłodawa → Godziszewo → Trąbki → Sobowidz → Skarszewy → Gdańsk → Malbork
Prepared by: Paulina Wojtyniak