The Heischaus

A short distance from Virkenhall, the top of a hill called 'the monk's hood' was chosen as the site for the first house of the Order of the Dragon. The presence of a natural spring, which in those days supplied a small stream later expanded by means of an artificial excavation, was one of the main reasons why the Knights would enjoy full autonomy and the desired isolation. The original structure of the building was made of wood obtained from the thickets that surrounded Virkenhall in those days and was rather simple also because the original core of the order comprised only eight knights including the grand master, and future ruler, Rhidgaer I.

How it looks today...

The buildings that make up the Hieschaus expanded, little by little, following the expansion of the Order of the Dragon. Today, the facility is fortified and free-standing with a strong stone boundary wall protected by a gateway with a portcullis, facing south, which is the only way in and out. Outside the fortification are the fields that the minor brethren cultivate for the production of food and marketable surplus, they are irrigated by a network of artificial canals fed by the stream originating from the spring mentioned above, the course of which has been altered over the years. The beaten earth and gravel access road will then lead to the gatehouse, where the cellar keeper will register who enters and leaves, verifying possession of the appropriate permit.

by MarinkasTravels

On the left hand, the doorway leads to the refectory, a massive room with a vaulted ceiling where the members of the order dine in conviviality. On the right hand, a decorated double door leads to the temple of Nuada behind the main altar there's a another passage leading to the chapter house, where economic, disciplinary and politic discussions regarding the Order are conducted. From the chapter house and the refectory it is possible to gain access to the cloister, a place for quiet meditation and a garden for medicinal herbs that serve the community. The cloister has another door that lead to the stables and then through a stairway to the cells. The chapter house is still surrounded by the eight cells of the original group of knight, it is indeed the most ancient stone building of the facility.