The Schochwitz Castle, located in Schochwitz, Germany (17 km from Halle (Saale) in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt) was built in the 12th century. While it was once a place where witches were burned and prisoners were tortured,[1] today it serves as a meditation and healing centre to promote spiritual growth and awareness.
In 2005 the Schochwitz Castle was purchased by Countess Ingrid Zerfowski and her husband Lord Jimmy Welsh, who have converted it into a meditation and spiritual centre for healing.[2] The centre attracts therapists and visionaries from all over the world who give seminars, and offers yoga classes every morning and evening. The centre has erected a 9 metre high wooden carving of the Virgin Mary created by the English chainsaw carving artist Matthew Crabb, which is currently the largest wooden carving of her in the world.[3] The statue was carved by artist Matthew Crabb. It is hoped that the statue will revive the spirituality of Germany.