When the decision was made to move the seat of the Grand Master of the Order from Venice to Malbork, it became necessary to expand the castle.

In 1309, Malbork became the capital of the Teutonic State. Together with the Grand Master, a large number of monastic brothers came to Malbork, which required the reconstruction and expansion of the existing facility. The Middle Castle with a large refectory was built, then the grand master's palace, and then the Low Castle. A castle, a monastery, and a residence are three basic functions complemented by a well-organized economic and military base.