The yellow house at Marktplatz 11 is where Joseph Ratzinger — later Pope Benedict XVI — was born on 16 April 1927. Since his election as pope in 2005 it has operated as a museum and pilgrimage space. The permanent exhibition traces his life from the village of Marktl through his years as a theologian and cardinal to his papacy and his historic resignation in 2013, the first papal resignation in six centuries.
Inside, the birth room is preserved simply, with photographs, personal objects, and documents. The visit culminates with a walk down the street to Saint Oswald's Church, where the font that held his baptismal water still stands. Guided tours are available and run roughly 45 minutes. The house draws a steady stream of Catholic pilgrims, particularly from Poland, Italy, and the Philippines.