Schloss Heitersheim

Heitersheim, Germany, Germany

---

Schloss Heitersheim, also called the Malteserschloss (Maltese Palace), is one of the most beautiful castles in the Markgräflerland region of southern Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The castle's origins date back to the 11th century under Staufer rule, and it was transferred to the Knights of John (Johanniter order) in 1272, who developed it into their German headquarters and the residence of their Grand Priors for over three centuries. In the 16th century, it became the permanent residence of the order's prior, solidifying its importance as both a princely residence and the seat of the German Grand Priory of the Johanniter and Maltese Orders.

From 1893 to 2022, the castle belonged to the Sisters of Mercy of Saint Vincent of Paul and served as a community home, but the city of Heitersheim purchased it in 2022 and launched a major €20 million renovation project to create a new communal living space for about 300 people.

Today, the castle can only be viewed from the outside, but visitors can admire its impressive architecture, romantic inner courtyards, baroque gardens with a splendid rosery, and boxwood maze, while the basement houses a permanent exhibition about the Knights of Malta and the palace's history. The castle grounds and park are accessible to the public at all times, and the adjacent Römerpark offers beautiful views into the Black Forest.