The first reference to fortifications built by the Teutonic Knights in Elblag dates back to 1237. In its final configuration the castle in Elblag was connected with the Old City on the north-western side. In 1251 it was so impressive that the Land Master of the Prussian Province of the Teutonic order settled here, and in 1308 the castle in Elblag became the seat of the Commander and Great Hospitaler. The town has the Gothic church of St. Nicholas, and the Gothic church of the Blessed Virgin Mary which is today a gallery of modern art. Elblag Museum stores and exhibits the historical collections of Elblag region and Zulawy district. One of the most remarkable is a gallery for objects of daily use and artistic handicraft dating from the Middle Ages, that have been excavated in the grounds of the Old Town (Stare Miasto) of Elblag. Boat trips on the Elblag Canal begin from here. The beautiful wooded Bazantarnia (Pheasantry) park is also worth a visit.