Asbeck Abbey Museum
The museum in the Romanesque dormitory vividly depicts the eventful history of Asbeck Abbey in Legden. The monastery dates back to the foundation of the double monastery in the 12th century and developed over the centuries from a nunnery into a secular convent for ladies. In addition to the museum and the collegiate church, you can also visit the former abbesses' house and the Therese Cabinet in the gatehouse, which commemorates the famous Asbeck nun Therese von Zandt. Contemporary art is also on display in the cloister gallery.
From nunnery to secular convent
Originally founded by Premonstratensians, Asbeck Monastery quickly became a nunnery for nuns only, mainly inhabited by noble ladies. As early as the 15th century, efforts were made to convert the convent into a secular convent for women. From 1533, the dress code changed and the Asbeck nuns were allowed to wear secular clothing outside the convent. However, the nuns also enjoyed other privileges: In addition to their own flat and three months' freedom to travel, they received a monthly salary and a pension-like prebend in old age.
