Priest Barracks of Dachau Concentration Camp

The Priest Barracks at Dachau occupied blocks 26, 28, and 30 and served as a designated section for imprisoned clergy members. These areas were physically separated from other camp sections and operated with their own internal organization for residents.

Beginning in 1940, Berlin ordered all detained clergy transferred to Dachau to establish a central detention facility for religious prisoners. The camp became the largest center for imprisoning clergy across occupied Europe.

The Vatican negotiated permission for limited religious services within a chapel, allowing imprisoned clergy to maintain some form of spiritual practice.

The site features preserved buildings and museum displays that document the experiences of religious prisoners. Visitors should allow sufficient time to explore the structures and read the informational panels throughout the grounds.

Catholic priests represented more than 90 percent of the imprisoned clergy held at this location. Polish clergy members formed the largest national group within this religious prisoner population.

Part of: Dachau concentration camp

GPS coordinates: 48.27146,11.46719

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:03