In Asbeck, a district of the small municipality of Legden, the then Münster bishop Werner von Steußlingen had an imposing double monastery built between 1132 and 1151. Originally planned for nuns and brothers of the Premonstratensian Order, it was firmly in women's hands after a few years.
As early as 1173, the double monastery became a purely nunnery before it was converted into a ladies' convent in the 16th century. The most famous lady of Asbeck was Therese von Zandt, who belonged to the convent from 1783 until its dissolution. She came to prominence as the supposed mistress of Beethoven. Her two sons also became composers. A separate cabinet is dedicated to her, which is now located in the Hun Gate of the former Abbey grounds. You can find out more about it in the video below. All in all, the monastery existed until 1805 and then became the property of the Prince of Salm Horstmar.
The Romanesque dormitory is also worth seeing: built around 1200, it is one of the few examples of Romanesque secular architecture in north-west Germany and houses, among other things, the Asbeck Abbey Museum.
Another highlight of the Asbeck programme is the annual "Schnadgang": Noble damsels and brave knights set out together with the Asbeck footmen to control the borders. What had a serious background in the days of the noble ladies' convent and the knightly house of Asbeck - border disputes including fisticuffs and shootings - now serves as a social event.
In the summer of 2020, a video about the eventful life of Therese von Zandt at Asbeck Abbey was produced as part of the "Filmmakers to Lend" project. More about the exceptionally emancipated German pianist, singer and mother can be discovered in the Theresen cabinet of the Heimatverein Asbeck.
Film: Simon Büchting/Münsterland e.V. | Performer: Daniela Daldrup
Today, the time of the noble abbey ladies has long been a thing of the past. But what remains is the great wealth of valuable church treasures that bring the history of the monastery to life. Impressive goldsmith's art next to jewels from the tradition-rich history of pilgrimage: a visit to the former abbey should not be complete without a tour of the museum in the former dormitory.
What is a free-world convent? How did the abbey ladies live in the past? And what do three months of travelling a year and a supposed mistress of Beethoven have to do with the idyllic Asbeck Abbey? Join Bernhard Laukötter and Rebecca Brüggemann, both from the Heimatverein Asbeck, on an acoustic tour through the lively monastery village and listen to exciting stories that have remained alive here to this day.
Every year on the 1st day of May, the Asbeck local history society celebrates the historical customs festival "Schnadgang". On this day, following an old custom, the borders of the House of Asbeck and the noble ladies' foundation are walked. Horsemen and footmen set off together in historical costumes. Numerous guests always come to the village on this calendar day to spend a beautiful spring day in Asbeck.
The Musikverein Asbeck e.V. accompanies the festival with marches and spring songs.
The local history society also always organises a children's play festival on 1 May with a small raffle, bouncy castle and games with lots of movement.
Food and drink are also provided.
Within the Münsterland park landscape the visitor encounters the village of Asbeck, which has existed for over 900 years. Katzenelnbogen had an important monastery built there from 1173. The Asbeck Romanesque dormitory is part of the former monastery complex of the Asbeck of Asbeck Abbey. Built around 1200, the building is one of the few examples of Romanesque secular architecture in north-west Germany and houses the and houses, among other things, the Asbeck Abbey Museum.
A varied programme of guided tours awaits visitors.
The Asbeck Abbey can also be experienced digitally. Put on your VR glasses and off you go. Take a virtual walk through the medieval monastery grounds and learn more about the history of the estate. An experience for young people and adults.
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