MonasteryAttendorn

Ewig Abbey (Attendorn)

Ewig Abbey (Attendorn)

Prison

Kloster Ewig, a former Augustinian canons' establishment, is situated in the Sauerland region near Attendorn. The complex, whose origins date back to the early 15th century, now forms part of a correctional facility, blending historical architecture with contemporary use.

History+

The foundation of Kloster Ewig occurred in 1420 through the merchant Heinrich Weke from Attendorn, who endowed the Augustinian canons with two farms in Listernohl. The knightly estate of Ewig had already served as the economic basis for the community since the 13th century. The initial monastic buildings were constructed between 1412 and 1429. Johannes Sewaldi from Böddeken Abbey was the first head of the community, which belonged to the Windesheim Congregation. The monastery was dedicated to Salvator mundi, with Saint Anthony as a secondary patron. Initially, twelve brothers lived here alongside the prior. In 1674, the advowson rights transferred to the von Fürstenberg family. A comprehensive reconstruction of the monastic buildings took place in 1726, involving the demolition of older structures and the creation of a new church and an irregular four-winged complex with corner towers and a Baroque portal. Kloster Ewig was dissolved in 1803 as part of the secularization.

Location+

Kloster Ewig is located in the Ewig district of the town of Attendorn in the Olpe district, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The complex is situated at an elevation of approximately 267 meters above sea level.

On site+

The historical buildings of the former Kloster Ewig are now integrated into the Attendorn correctional facility. Archaeological investigations have revealed the layout of the former church and remnants of older monastic structures that lay beneath the current Baroque edifice. The former monastic cemetery was also located in the courtyard area.

Nearby+
  • Franciscan Monastery Attendorn (Monastery, approx. 1702 m away)
  • Teutonic Order Commandery Waldenburg (Monastery, approx. 1714 m away)
  • Waldenburg Castle Ruin (Castle, approx. 1714 m away)
  • Collegiate Church St. Johannes, Attendorn (Monastery, approx. 1878 m away)

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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: Bärwinkel,Klaus / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.

Location: 51.1160, 7.8824