The Abbot's Chapel in the former monastery of Pforta (Saxony-Anhalt) is an exemplary object of Cistercian architecture from the first half of the 13th century. Originally, it served as an infirmary or sick chapel. Together with large parts of the remaining monastery complex, it has remained largely unchanged and is exceptionally well preserved. A closer examination of the Abbot's Chapel provides insights into the understanding of medieval architecture in general and Cistercian construction activity in particular, which extend beyond its regional significance. This work successfully reevaluates this extraordinary object not only in its purely art historical significance but also in the political and historical contexts of its creation.