The beginnings of the drainage of the Vistula Delta date back to the 12th century. The terrain is reclaimed from the sea. We will associate these activities mainly with the population that arrived here from lands recognized as Friesland and the Netherlands. They came here mostly in the 16th century.

The traces of their presence represent particular homesteads of the type known as the Ollandaise type: the dwelling house and its outbuildings are aligned, sharing walls. Quite often on such a farm there was also a windmill, which was used to grind flour.

About windmills and going back in time: in the Middle Ages in the Vistula Delta there were hundreds of windmills, driving the wheels that carried water out of the drained polders. These were abandoned when the land was ready for cultivation. Windmills no longer determine the appearance of Żuławy.

The area is flat as a table, interspersed with drainage ditches, fertile soil with access to water.

In the past, willows were planted along these ditches. These trees yielded a very significant value for draining water from its excess. In addition, their rapid growth offered the inhabitants of the region the possibility of an easy and organized harvest of firewood. Thus the landscape was cut by rows of specifically shaped trees.

Thanks to the many canals in the past, boats were a popular means of transportation. Less now, of course the cars won 😉

What do we find here today?
Fertile and easy-to-cultivate soils, along with a few other elements, contributed to the particular wealth of this region, which was reflected in houses that were much larger than those in other regions. The huge buildings and their rich decorations are fascinating. The sad accent in this beautiful story was the partitions of buildings and land during the communist era – plenty of mansions fell into disrepair. Even, have disappeared. We could still see something together, not all is lost.

Żuławy is also the region where the largest brick castle in the world is located, Malbork Castle, once the seat of the Teutonic Order. This is not the only trace of the Teutonic era in the region.