Maria in Campis, Medieval monastery and religious community in Coevorden and Assen, Netherlands
Maria in Campis was a monastery complex with original buildings by the Aa river near Coevorden and a later settlement in Assen that included a church and residential structures. The former monastery buildings in Assen now house the Drents Museum and Drents Archive, which preserve regional collections and historical documents.
The monastery was founded in 1215 near Coevorden and relocated to Assen around 1259 after a major conflict reshaped the region. The move allowed the order to establish itself in a new area and expand its activities and influence.
The monastery was a Cistercian community of women from prominent families who shaped the region through farming and land stewardship. The nuns left a lasting mark on how the Assen area developed and was organized.
The former monastery buildings in Assen are now accessible as museum venues that display regional history and collections. Visitors should note that the original site near Coevorden is partially preserved but less easily reached.
The monastery's seal depicted Mary with the Christ child and later influenced the coats of arms of Drenthe and Assen. These symbols remain visible today in the official emblems of both regions.
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