St. Walburga, Meschede

The origins of the Meschede Foundation date back to the 9th century, when it was founded as a convent for noblewomen. It is considered the second oldest women's monastery in Westphalia. Its establishment is presumed to be between 804 and 860, with Emhildis credited as the founder, likely from the Ricdag family. The counts of Werl and later Arnsberg were closely associated with the foundation, serving as hereditary advocates. The first reliable documentary mention dates to 913, when King Konrad I confirmed privileges such as immunity rights and the free election of the abbess. Donations from nobles and emperors, including Otto I and Otto III, led to considerable land ownership and wealth. The foundation possessed extensive lands, including 40 curtes with 300–400 farms, and held properties on the Rhine as well as salt houses. Around the year 1000, Abbess Hitda presented the foundation with the valuable Hitda Codex. From 1070, the deanery of Engern was subordinate to the Meschede abbess. In addition to the abbess, about 20 noblewomen lived in the foundation. Initially dedicated to Mary, it later became a center for the veneration of Saint Walburga, whose relics arrived in Meschede in the early 10th century. The foundation played an important role in culture and education, maintaining schools for boys and girls, and had a convent of ten canons for pastoral care. In the 14th century, it was transformed into a convent of male canons. In this form, it existed until its secularization in 1803/05.

The Meschede Foundation is situated in the town of Meschede, nestled in the landscape of the Hochsauerlandkreis in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Since its secularization in the early 19th century, the former collegiate church has been used as a parish church and is a protected architectural monument.

• Laer Castle (Castle, approx. 1841 m away)
• Eversberg Ruin (Ruin, approx. 3974 m away)
• Stockhausen Manor (Manor and Estate, approx. 4422 m away)
• Bockum Manor (Bockum) (Manor and Estate, approx. 7105 m away)