Karmelklooster, Carmelite monastery in Drachten, Netherlands.
Karmelklooster is a monastery in Drachten arranged as a square building with four wings enclosing a central courtyard garden. The structure sits on elevated ground surrounded by tall trees, creating an enclosed and self-contained appearance.
Construction of the monastery started in 1936 with the eastern wing, followed by the southern wing and chapel completed in 1946. The northern and western wings were finished by 1955.
From 1935 until 1993, Carmelite nuns maintained the monastery through activities including host baking, knitting, and laundry services while dedicating time to prayer.
Visiting requires advance arrangement since the site is now used as a care facility and access is restricted to scheduled visits. Plan ahead to ensure entry is possible during your visit.
The monastery preserves its original cloister corridors including a special farewell room where nuns would say goodbye to family members. This room reveals how daily life shaped the experience of those who lived here.
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