Dorsten, Administrative town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
This town sits along the Lippe River and the Wesel-Datteln Canal, with the historic core rising on the southern bank at about 31 meters above sea level. Its center holds a network of shopping streets and civic buildings, while residential neighborhoods and farmland spread toward the outskirts.
The settlement gained town rights from the archbishops of Cologne in 1251 and soon joined the Hanseatic League. For centuries it served as a trading post linking the Rhineland with Westphalia.
The Jewish Museum of Westphalia displays ritual objects, photographs and personal items that bring the story of local Jewish families to life. Walking through the rooms gives visitors a sense of how these communities lived and practiced their faith over generations.
Signs in the center point toward major buildings and public squares, making it easy to find your way around. Most places are within walking or cycling distance since the town center is laid out compactly.
The Franciscan monastery dating from 1488 is considered the oldest continuously inhabited house of this order in the world. Monks still live there today following the same rules that have been in place for over five centuries.
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