The Place for Witches is located in a forest in southwestern Germany, a region with a rich history of witch trials during the 15th and 16th centuries. The design serves as both a memorial and a learning space, focusing on the theme of transformation. It guides visitors through a sequence of experiences that encourage personal reflection and a deeper connection to history and nature.

Memorial Entrance

The entrance features a mirrored building that acts as a memorial for those who were wrongly accused of witchcraft. This reflective surface allows visitors to see themselves as they enter, creating a moment of personal connection with the past. The memorial aspect of the entrance sets a somber tone, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who suffered during this historical period.

Garden Maze

Once inside, visitors encounter a garden maze that represents complexity and duality. The hedges are made up of both edible and poisonous plants, highlighting the conflicting perceptions of knowledge and danger associated with witchcraft. This immersive landscape invites exploration and allows visitors to engage with the intricate relationship between nature and societal beliefs. The maze symbolizes the confusing narratives of the witch trials, encouraging participants to navigate both the physical space and their understanding of the past.

The Crystal Sphere

At the center of the maze, The Crystal Sphere serves as the main attraction. This spherical structure rests on a square stone base that contains a library and an herbarium, reinforcing the value of knowledge and the natural environment. Visitors ascend a spiraling ramp that weaves around a body of water filling half the sphere. This ascent provides not only a physical journey but also an opportunity for deeper understanding.

Interactive Experience

Inside The Crystal Sphere, glass circles symbolize planets, allowing visitors to float and walk along their designated paths. This interactive feature encourages a sense of connection with the cosmos. The central Sun orb, filled with soil and nurturing rare plants, emphasizes growth and interconnectedness. This environment fosters contemplation about the relationship between humanity and nature.

The design culminates in elevated viewpoints that provide new perspectives of the landscape below. The interaction between water and glass refracts light in an engaging way. This thoughtful arrangement enhances the experience, inviting visitors to consider their reflections within a space that intertwines memory, nature, and personal identity.