- free of charge / accessible at any time
St. Anne's Rose Garden
Historic Site | Park/Garden | Monastery
Many centuries ago, there was a small monastery on Soeststraße in Lippstadt: Today, the only trace of it is a reconstructed floor plan. And yet this small religious order has a fascinating history that is worth telling.
Address
St. Anne's Rose Garden
Klosterstraße
59555 Lippstadt
Properties:
Foundation and Religious Life
In the early years of the 14th century, devout women in Lippstadt came together to lead a communal life of obedience and devotion to God. They chose Saint Anne, the patron saint of mothers and widows, as their heavenly patroness. In her honor, they built a small convent on what is now Soeststraße. Even without taking vows, the community lived by simple rules and devoted itself to prayer and the care of their souls.
Daily Life and Work of the Nuns
In addition to their religious life, the nuns also contributed to the convent’s economic self-sufficiency. They produced high-quality fabrics and provided for the poor and sick in the surrounding area. Despite recognition of their work, they encountered resistance from the guilds, which feared competition. In order to be able to sell their products nonetheless, the nuns were forced to offer their fabrics in large bales.
The End of an Era: Dissolution and Subsequent Use
The Reformation brought about profound changes for the convent. As the only Catholic place of worship in Lippstadt, it held special significance for the faithful after the Reformation. Nevertheless, it could not escape the political and social changes. In the 19th century, the monastery was dissolved and demolished. The Nicolai School was built in its place, but it too was later replaced by a residential development. Learn more about the St. Annen-Rosengarten Monastery and help bring this forgotten gem back into the public consciousness.
In the early years of the 14th century, devout women in Lippstadt came together to lead a communal life of obedience and devotion to God. They chose Saint Anne, the patron saint of mothers and widows, as their heavenly patroness. In her honor, they built a small convent on what is now Soeststraße. Even without taking vows, the community lived by simple rules and devoted itself to prayer and the care of their souls.
Daily Life and Work of the Nuns
In addition to their religious life, the nuns also contributed to the convent’s economic self-sufficiency. They produced high-quality fabrics and provided for the poor and sick in the surrounding area. Despite recognition of their work, they encountered resistance from the guilds, which feared competition. In order to be able to sell their products nonetheless, the nuns were forced to offer their fabrics in large bales.
The End of an Era: Dissolution and Subsequent Use
The Reformation brought about profound changes for the convent. As the only Catholic place of worship in Lippstadt, it held special significance for the faithful after the Reformation. Nevertheless, it could not escape the political and social changes. In the 19th century, the monastery was dissolved and demolished. The Nicolai School was built in its place, but it too was later replaced by a residential development. Learn more about the St. Annen-Rosengarten Monastery and help bring this forgotten gem back into the public consciousness.