Franziskanerkloster Wiedenbrück, also known in the local language as Franziskanerkloster Rheda-Wiedenbrück, is a captivating historical site nestled in the picturesque town of Rheda-Wiedenbrück, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This former Franciscan monastery, founded in 1644, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich religious and cultural heritage of the region.
The story of Franziskanerkloster Wiedenbrück begins in the 13th century when a Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Ursula was established in Wiedenbrück. The present-day Marienkirche, consecrated on December 7, 1470, stands as a testament to the town's enduring spiritual legacy. In 1644, the Prince-Bishop of Osnabrück, Franz Wilhelm Graf von Wartenberg, acquired a residential house opposite the church and founded the monastery. A connecting archway was constructed over the street to link the monastery with Marienkirche, symbolizing the deep connection between the two institutions.
Franziskanerkloster Wiedenbrück quickly became a center of religious activity and education. The Franciscans, who were introduced to Wiedenbrück by the bishop himself on June 13, 1644, played a pivotal role in the community. They tended to the miraculous image of the Sorrowful Mother in Marienkirche and ministered to pilgrims and locals alike. The monastery also served as an educational institution, providing philosophical studies for the order's novices and teaching the children of the local garrison soldiers.
Scavenger hunts in Rheda-Wiedenbrück
Discover Rheda-Wiedenbrück with the digital Scavenger Hunt from myCityHunt! Solve puzzles, master team tasks and explore Rheda-Wiedenbrück with your team!
The monastery's resilience was tested during the tumultuous periods of the Thirty Years' War and subsequent conflicts. In 1647, Wiedenbrück was captured by Swedish forces, but the Franciscans persevered, continuing their spiritual and educational work. The tradition of the Wiedenbrück Cross Procession, initiated in 1663, endures to this day, with the public procession to the image of Mater Dolorosa officially sanctioned in 1714.
Construction of the new monastery building began in 1667, although progress was delayed by a city fire in 1685. The first phase of the monastery's construction was completed in 1716, and additional structures, including a sacristy and chapel, were added to Marienkirche in 1730. The church tower, originally adorned with a baroque helmet, was remodeled into its current form in 1781 using materials from Wiedenbrück's old hospital roof.
The monastery faced another significant challenge during the secularization of church properties in the early 19th century. While many monasteries in Bavaria and northern Germany were dissolved, Franziskanerkloster Wiedenbrück managed to survive. In 1826, King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia granted permission for the permanent continuation of certain monasteries, including Wiedenbrück. The monastery hosted the first provincial chapter of the Saxonia province in 1842, and the king's visit to Wiedenbrück in the same year led to the resumption of novice admissions in 1843.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought both trials and triumphs for the monastery. The Franciscans were forced to leave during the Prussian Kulturkampf in 1875 but returned in 1887 to a warm welcome from the community. The monastery expanded with the construction of a red brick building in 1892 and an extension in 1898. During World War I, the monastery served as a temporary hospital, and in World War II, parts of the monastery were requisitioned for military use.
In the post-war years, the monastery underwent significant renovations, including the creation of a pedestrian passage through the monastery arch in 1948 and the remodeling of the monastery gate in 1949. Extensive restoration work was carried out on the monastery church between 1979 and 1986, and the entire monastery was renovated from 1981 to 1983. The wing along Nonnenwall was transformed into a youth guesthouse in 1995, and the Franziskushaus was remodeled from 1996 to 2002.
In 2010, all German Franciscan provinces merged to form the German Franciscan Province of Saint Elizabeth. Franziskanerkloster Wiedenbrück served as the national novitiate from 2006 to 2017. However, due to a lack of new recruits, the Franciscans left the monastery in 2020. The buildings were taken over by the non-profit cooperative Kloster Wiedenbrück eG, which aims to preserve the site's heritage and promote community, spiritual, and cultural activities.
Today, Franziskanerkloster Wiedenbrück stands as a symbol of resilience and faith. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and enduring traditions make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of Rheda-Wiedenbrück. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply a curious traveler, the monastery offers a unique and enriching experience that connects the past with the present.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.