The battle of Grunwald – or why is the 15th of July so important to Poland and Lithuania.

This year we have the 600th anniversary of the battle of Grunwald, in the West known better as the 1st Tannenberg battle. It was one of the most important clashes of medieval Europe, as well as the turning point in the war between the Teutonic Order and the allied Polish-Lithuanian forces.

How did it all start? In short, the Teutonic Order didn’t recognize the Grand Duchy of Lithuania as a real christian country despite its conversion, still trying to “baptize” it with the flame and the sword. The Polish Kingdom, supporting Lithuania in that struggle, joined the war, so in effect the hostilities began in 1409, followed by a truce until june 1410; but both sides were well aware that it was simply the time to prepare for the decisive battle – the battle of Grunwald.



According to the Western chronicles (especially German) it was a clash between the civilised, christian West and the pagan, barbarian East. Poland was naturally on the side of the uncouth and blood-thirsty eastern wildmen.

There were around 30.000 knights on the side of the Teutonic Order, the very elite of Europe of that time. The Polish-Lithuanian forces, along with Moldavian, Tatar, Ruthenian and even Chech reinforcements, amounted to 40.000 soldiers. The battle itself took 6 hours, 8.000 German knights were killed, another 14.000 taken captive.

Until the very day that battle is considered in Poland as the greatest victory of Polish arms against the Germans in our history, so for that reason on the 15th of July – the anniversary of the battle – feasts are held with a reconstruction on the genuine field of the fight along with festivals all over Poland.

For that reason, also in all of Poland, including Krakow, special celebrations will be held. Of course, the Free Walking Tour team will introduce You to the history of the battle and describe the planned attractions during the tours. But, as there’s more to Krakow than just the tours, it might be interesting to join the cultural events planned for that time. Here’s in short what can be expected to happen in the Royal City of Krakow:

The City Council is considering to reenact the triumph of the king Władysław Jagiełło after the victorious battle. The exact date and plan is as yet not known. We can expect though a colourful array of actors in costumes from medieval times.

The Royal Castle is organizing the „Grunwald 2010” programme, which will include an historical exhibition in the castle, a nationwide competition to compose a song about the battle, a concert on the anniversary of battle – on the top of the hill, naturally – and educational happenings, such as scientific conferences, historical competitions and a competition to create an historical stamp dedicated to the battle.

Of course, that is just a rough outline, as most of the attractions are still being developed. As soon as we know more, we will post new messages with details on what will be happening.

If You are interested in the official celebrations at the spot where the battle took place, mainly the reenactment of the battle itself, check out the official site of the 600th anniversary to learn the details.