Damenstift Lippstadt

The founding of St. Maria is presumed to have occurred around 1185 by Nobleman Bernhard II of Lippe, although the first documentary evidence dates only from 1207. Until the mid-16th century, the monastic community of women followed the Rule of Augustine. A definitive classification as a canoness convent or Augustinian canonesses' convent is not possible due to conflicting sources. An attempt in 1478 to join the Windesheim Reform had no lasting success, which rather characterizes the community as a secular convent. From the mid-16th century, the women embraced the Reformation. However, spiritual oversight remained with the Catholic provost of the convent until 1841. From 1690, only noble virgins were admitted. In 1773, the chapter of the secular noble convent was granted the right by the Prussian king to wear an order cross. After its dissolution by the French Grand Duchy of Berg in 1812, it was re-established in 1826. The prebends were allocated equally by Prussia and the Principality of Lippe. The convent church was closed in 1831 due to increasing decay.

The Damenstift is located in the city of Lippstadt, which lies in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Today, the Damenstift is no longer a religious institution. It serves interdenominationally to provide for elderly women in need, who receive accommodation and a monthly financial payment. The current statutes of the foundation date from 1975. A volunteer curator manages the affairs for the abbess and the canonesses. In 2019, eight canonesses resided at the convent.

• Lipperode Ruin (ruin, approx. 2917 m away)
• Overhagen Castle (castle, approx. 2940 m away)
• Cappel Monastery (sacred building, approx. 3037 m away)
• Herringhausen Castle (castle, approx. 4474 m away)