The church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Anne's Chapel in the High Castle

The church of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the spiritual centre of the High Castle — a tall Gothic church built into the conventual complex. On its outer wall stands the monumental figure of the Madonna, reconstructed over many years after the enormous wartime damage and returned to the building.

The interior, with its star vault and liturgical furnishings, is part of the High Castle route. The church was severely damaged during the war and is one of the most laboriously rebuilt parts of the complex.

St Anne's Chapel and the crypt of the grand masters

Beneath the chancel of the church lies the burial chapel of St Anne — a low, vaulted chapel in which more than a dozen grand masters of the Teutonic Order were laid to rest. It is a quiet, dignified interior, one of the most atmospheric in the whole complex.

Visiting

• Part of the High Castle route — included in the single castle ticket
• The figure of the Madonna — clearly visible from the courtyard outside
• St Anne's Chapel — a place of silence; behave as in any place of worship
• The audio guide explains the history and the reconstruction

How to get there and practical info

Location

The High Castle, the innermost part of the complex

Admission

Included in the single castle ticket

Time needed

20–40 min within the route

The figure of the Madonna

Visible from the courtyard outside

St Anne's Chapel

A place of silence — the crypt of the grand masters

Tip

Combine with the High Castle route

When to go