a type of brick monastery-castle, built in Northern Poland and the Baltic Region in the late 13th and 14th centuries. Examples of Konventshäuser are the High Castle in Malbork, Poland (c. 1280) and castles in Ventspils, Latvian SSR (completed in 1290) and Kingisepp, Estonian SSR (14th century). Erected by the German knightly order, Konventshäuser consisted of massive buildings (with chapels and sleeping quarters), which completely enclosed a rectangular courtyard. The Konventshaus was protected by thick outer walls and corner towers.