The history of Wedinghausen Monastery is part of European cultural history and goes far beyond regional references. Founded as a monastery of atonement after the fratricide of Count Heinrich I v. Arnsberg, Wedinghausen was the place of origin and storage of important medieval manuscripts, which today are part of the Unesco World Document Heritage. Of outstanding importance was the rescue of the Cologne Cathedral treasure by its reception in Wedinghausen Monastery during the Napoleonic turmoil.
Wedinghausen Monastery was built in 1170 as a monastery of expiation. After its dissolution in 1803, parts of the sacred complex were destroyed. Today, the monastery courtyard with the two historic cloisters and the newly designed light house impressively combines history and modernity.