"Pope Joan" (2009)

Constantin Film’s bestseller filmed 2009 "Pope Joan" directed by Sönke Wortmann, was filmed at the Querfurt Castle. Three weeks of complex construction work brought the castle back to the 9th century: The lawn in front of the church was covered with peat, manure and soil. Next to the “Dicker Heinrich,” wooden huts were built. Inside the apprentices arranged a stockrooms and a camp for the blacksmith and his horses. The entire west gate and the west gate system were made reminiscent of the time of "Pope Joan," and all the props were designed accordingly in Romanesque style. In the Northeast rondell, was the set for Knight Gerold’s quarter. Inside the Prince's House and the "Ottonenkeller" were the apartments for Johanna. Set up for her life as both a child and an adult. Johanna Wokalek and David Wenham (known from the "Lord of the Rings.") were the main actors. At the castle, up to 300 extras were temporarily cast for different scenes in the courtyard. A couple of highlights included the attack of the Normans, the night scene at the castle church and the church surrounded by flames.