Hohenbusch Manor

The origins of Hohenbusch date back to 1147, when Rudolphus and Emertrudis donated their allod Hoenbusc to the Marienstift Aachen. Emperor Frederick II confirmed this possession in 1226. In 1302, the Order of the Holy Cross, later known as the Canons Regular, founded a monastery here. Three years later, the Aachen foundation transferred Hohenbusch to the order in exchange for an annual tribute. By 1560, 16 religious individuals lived in the monastery. A new church was consecrated in 1634, and a novitiate was established in 1677. Between 1707 and 1720, the central building, the west wing, and the south wing were constructed. In 1795, the monastic property included extensive lands and a mill. The secularization by the French led to the dissolution of the monastery in 1802, with the church and two wings being demolished. Subsequently, the complex was used as an agricultural estate until 1983 and acquired the name “Haus Hohenbusch.” The city of Erkelenz purchased the property in 1983, and in 1990, it was opened to the public for the first time.