Franziskanerkloster Dorsten

The Franciscan monastery in Dorsten is a religious complex in the town center featuring a church, residential quarters for the friars, and shared communal areas along Lippestraße. The buildings form a working community where daily worship takes place and social services are carried out.

The monastery was founded in 1488 when the Franciscans from the Cologne Province, together with knight Goswin von Raesfeld, established their first settlement in Dorsten. In the 1600s they built a major school that served as the town's primary educational institution until the 1800s.

The complex has been central to Dorsten's spiritual life for centuries and remains an active hub of religious practice for the city. The Franciscans shape community life through their daily presence and involvement in local charitable work.

The complex is open for visitors to attend services or explore the grounds at their own pace. It is helpful to check ahead about service times and opening hours, as these may vary depending on the season or special occasions.

The friars have long run a soup kitchen where they serve hot meals daily to people in need. This work is central to their life as a monastic community and shows how the monastery connects practical aid with its spiritual mission.

Location: Dorsten

Inception: 1488

GPS coordinates: 51.66112,6.96322

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:02