Benediktiner-Doppelkloster Marienthal, Medieval monastery in Norden, Germany
The Benedictine double monastery was a complex in Norden featuring separate living quarters for monks and nuns following the Benedictine rule. The design allowed both communities to function independently while sharing the same spiritual mission and institutional framework.
Founded before 1255, the monastery operated until 1529 when the Reformation and religious upheaval brought about its closure. The dissolution ended more than two and a half centuries of monastic tradition in the region.
The monastery served as a family cloister for the Cirksena nobility, who used it as a burial place for their dead across generations. This close connection shaped the daily life and purpose of the community.
The original monastery grounds now house a retirement home operated by Arbeiterwohlfahrt and are not open to the public. To explore the history of the site, nearby churches and local archives offer better access to information.
The ornately carved choir stalls from 1481 were salvaged from the monastery and are now displayed in Ludgeri Church in Norden. These wooden works showcase the craftsmanship and artistic values that the medieval community once held.
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