List of Christian religious houses in North Rhine-Westphalia
This is a list of Christian religious houses, both for men and for women, whether or not still in operation, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Most religious houses survived the Reformation, although many nunneries did so by becoming Lutheran collegiate foundations for women of the aristocracy. The great majority were closed however during the secularisation of the Napoleonic period, with the exception of the hospital orders, such as the Alexians and their female equivalents, the Cellite Sisters, the number of whose houses is a notable feature of the Land. Also noteworthy are the small communities of local origin, such as the Olpe Sisters and the Schervier Sisters. Extant religious houses are indicated by bold type.
A
- Aachen:
- * Aachen Priory: Dominicans 1293–1802; :de:Clara Fey|Sisters of the Poor Child Jesus 1842–today
- * Alexian Hospital, Aachen : Alexians 1334–today
- * :de:Christenserinnen|Christenserine motherhouse
- * Convent of the Poor Sisters of Saint Francis, Aachen: :de:Armen-Schwestern vom Heiligen Franziskus|Poor Sisters of Saint Francis, also known as the Schervier Sisters, 1852–today
- * St. Anne's Abbey or Priory, Aachen, now St. Anne's Church, Aachen : Benedictine nuns 1511–1794
- * St. Jöris' Abbey, see St. Jöris
- Abdinghof Abbey or Priory, Paderborn: Benedictine monks 1015–1803
- Altenberg Abbey, Altenberg: Cistercian monks 1133–1803
- Arnsberg:
- * Jesuit Mission, Arnsberg 1651–1773
- Attendorn:
- * Attendorn Friary : Franciscan friars 1636–1803
- *Ewig Priory, Attendorn, see Ewig
- *Waldenburg Commandery, Attendorn, see Waldenburg
B
- Haus Carola, Bad Waldliesborn, Lippstadt: Olpe Sisters
- Beckum Abbey, Beckum: men's collegiate foundation 1267–1811
- Bedburg Abbey, Bedburg-Hau: Premonstratensians, before 1138 – c. 1270; regular canonesses c. 1270–1519; secular canonesses 1517–1802; moved to Cleves in 1604
- Belecke Priory, Belecke, Warstein: Benedictine monks 1270–1804
- Benden Abbey or Priory, Heide, Brühl: Cistercian nuns 1207–1802
- Benninghausen Abbey or Priory, Benninghausen, Lippstadt: Cistercian nuns 1240–1804
- Bentlage Priory, Bentlage, Rheine: Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross 1437–1803
- Beyenburg Abbey, see Steinhaus Abbey
- Redemptorist Fathers, Bochum
- Böddeken Abbey, Büren: women's collegiate foundation 836 – 11th century; secular canonesses 11th century – 1408; re-founded as Augustinian Canons under the Windesheim Congregation 1408/09 – 1803
- Bödingen Priory, Hennef: Augustinian Hermits 1424–1803
- Boke Abbey, Boke, Delbrück: Benedictine monks 1101–1104
- Redemptorist Fathers, Bonn
- St. Remigius' Abbey, Borken, Borken: men's collegiate foundation 1433–1811
- Bottenbroich Abbey, later Bottenbroich Priory, Kerpen: Cistercian nuns 1231 –1448; Cistercian monks 1448–1802
- Brauweiler Abbey, Pulheim: Benedictine monks 1024–1803
- Bredelar Abbey or Priory, Bredelar, Marsberg: Premonstratensians, approximately 1170–1196; Cistercian monks 1196–1804
- Brenkhausen Abbey, Brenkhausen near Höxter: Cistercian nuns c1245 re-settled with Benedictine nuns from Corvey 1601–1803; from 1993 monastery and bishop's seat of the Coptic Church in Germany
- Brilon Friary, Brilon: Friars Minor 1653–1803
- Brunnen Priory, Sundern: Capuchin Friars 1722–1834
- Burtscheid Abbey, Burtscheid, Aachen: Benedictine monks 997–1220; Cistercian nuns 1220–1802
C
- Cappenberg Abbey, later Schloss Cappenberg, Selm: Premonstratensian Canons 1122–1802/03
- Clarenberg Priory, Hörde, Dortmund: Poor Clares 1339–1583: secular canonesses 1583–1812
- Clarholz Abbey , Herzebrock-Clarholz: Premonstratensian canons before 1146–1803
- Cleves Abbey or Priory, Cleves: canons 1334–1802
- Cologne:
- * Redemptorist Fathers, Cologne
- * Alexian Hospital, Cologne : Alexians 1300–today
- * St. Anthony's Hospital, Cologne 1350 x 1378–1794
- * Cologne Charterhouse : Carthusians 1334–1794
- * St. Elisabeth's House, Cologne: Olpe Sisters
- * St. Elisabeth's Convent, Cologne: : Cellite Sisters
- * St. Gertrude's Priory : tbe
- * St. Mary's Convent, Cologne : Cellite Sisters
- * Convent of the Cellite Sisters of the Rule of St. Augustine, Cologne : Cellite Sisters
- Corvey Abbey, Höxter: Benedictine monks 822–1807
D
- Dalheim Priory or Abbey, Dalheim, Lichtenau: Austin Canons 1429–1803
- Deutz Abbey, Deutz, Cologne: Benedictine monks 1003–1804
- Dorsten:
- * Dorsten Friary : Franciscan friars 1488–today
- * St. Michael's Carmel, Dorsten : Discalced Carmelites 1998–today
- * Ursuline Convent, Dorsten : Ursuline Sisters 1699–today
- Drolshagen Abbey or Priory, Drolshagen: Cistercian nuns 1235–1803
- St. Victor's Abbey or Priory, Dülmen, Dülmen: men's collegiate foundation 1323–1811
- Düren:
- * Düren Priory or Carmel, Düren: Discalced Carmelites 1903–today
- * St. Gertude's Convent, Düren: Cellite Sisters
- Convent of the Cellite Sisters, Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf: Cellite Sisters
E
- Elsey Abbey or Priory, Hohenlimburg, Hagen: secular canonesses 1220–1810
- Wallfahrtstätte Eremitage, Niederdielfen, Wilnsdorf: Poor Clares 1953–today
- Eikeloh Priory, Erwitte: Premonstratensian nuns 1639–1803
- Eschweiler:
- * Alexian Hospital, Eschweiler 1909–1944
- * Helene-Nickel-Stift, Röhe: tbe
- Essen Abbey, Essen: secular canonesses 845–1803
- Ewig Priory or Abbey, Attendorn: Austin Canons 1420–1803
F
- St. Boniface's Abbey, Freckenhorst, Freckenhorst in Warendorf: secular canonesses 851-1811
- Fröndenberg Abbey or Priory, Fröndenberg: Cistercian nuns 1225 x 1230-c 1650; secular canonesses c1650-1812
- Fürstenberg Abbey, Xanten: Benedictine monks and nuns 1116-1259; Cistercian nuns 1259-1586
G
- Galilee Priory near Meschede: Dominican nuns 1484-1810
- Gehrden Abbey, Gehrden, Brakel: Benedictine nuns 1142-1810
- Geistingen Priory in Geistingen, Hennef: Redemptorists 1903-1941; orphanage 1941-1946; educational purposes to 2006
- Gerleve Abbey, Billerbeck: Benedictine monks 1899-today
- Gerresheim Abbey, Gerresheim, Düsseldorf: secular canonesses 9th century – 1803
- Gertrudisstift, Ruppichteroth: :de:Missionsschwestern vom Kostbaren Blut|Mission Sisters of the Precious Blood, also known as the Mariannhiller Sisters, 1916-today
- Geseke:
- * Geseke Abbey or Priory : secular canonesses 946-1823
- * Franciscan friary, Geseke: Franciscan friars 1637-1834
- Gevelsberg Abbey, Gevelsberg: Cistercian nuns c1230 x 1236-c 1577; secular canonesses c 1577-1812
- Glindfeld Priory, Medebach: Augustinian Canonesses 1298-1499; Canons Regular of the Holy Cross 1499-1804
- Goch Priory, Goch: Franciscan Tertiaries
- Graefenthal Abbey or Priory, Kessel, Goch: Cistercian nuns 1248-1802
- Gräfrath Abbey, Gräfrath, Solingen: Benedictine nuns, before 1209-1802
- Grafschaft Abbey, Schmallenberg: Benedictine monks 1072-1804; :de:Borromäerinnen|Sisters of Mercy of Saint Charles Borromeo 1948-today
- Gravenhorst Abbey or Priory, Hörstel: Cistercian nuns 1256-1808
H
- Hagenbusch Abbey, Xanten: Benedictine nuns c. 1140-1802
- Haldem Abbey or Priory, otherwise Schloss Haldem, Haldem, Stemwede: women's collegiate foundation 1878-1890
- Hamborn Abbey, Hamborn, Duisburg: Premonstratensian Canons 1136-1802, 1959-today
- Hamm Friary, Hamm: Franciscan friars 1455-1824
- Hardehausen Abbey, Warburg: Cistercian monks 1140-1803, 1927–1938
- Herstelle Abbey, otherwise Abbey of the Holy Cross, Herstelle, Beverungen: Friars Minor nk-1825; Benedictine nuns of the Most Holy Sacrament 1899-1924; Benedictine nuns 1924-today
- Heisterbach Abbey, Königswinter: Cistercian monks 1192-1803
- Herford:
- * Herford Abbey, Herford: secular canonesses 800-1802
- * St. John's and St. Denis's Abbey or Priory, Herford : secular canons 947-1414
- Herzebrock Abbey or Priory, Herzebrock-Clarholz: secular canonesses c860-1208; Benedictine nuns 1208-1803
- Himmelpforten Abbey, Möhnesee: Cistercian nuns 1246-1804
- Hirschberg Abbey or Priory, Hirschberg, Warstein: Benedictine nuns 1513-1804
- Hohenbusch Priory, Erkelenz: Canons Regular of the Holy Cross 1302-1802
- Holthausen Priory or Abbey, Büren: Cistercian nuns 1243-1810
- St. Gertrude's Priory or Abbey, Horstmar, Horstmar: secular canonesses 1325-1806
J
- St. Nicholas' Priory, Jüchen, Jüchen: Franciscan Tertiaries 1403-1802; Franciscan oblates 1953-today
K
- Kamp Abbey, Kamp-Lintfort: Cistercian monks 1123-1802; Carmelites 1954-2002
- Kappenberg, see Cappenberg
- Kentrop Priory, Hamm: Cistercian nuns 1290-1802
- Keppel Abbey, Allenbach, Hilchenbach: Premonstratensian nuns 1236-1594; women's collegiate foundation 1594-1812
- Knechtsteden Abbey, Dormagen: Premonstratensian Canons 1138-1801; Spiritans 1895-today
- Königsmünster Abbey, Meschede: Benedictine monks 1928-today
- Kornelimünster Abbey, Kornelimünster, Aachen: Benedictine monks 814-1802, 1906-today
- Kranenburg:
- * Katharinenhof Kranenburg: Augustinian women's community 1445-1802
- * St. Martin's Priory : canons, 1436-1802
- Kreitz Priory, Holzheim, Neuss: Benedictine nuns 1899-today
- Küstelberg Priory, Winterberg: Augustinian Canonesses 1177-1297
L
- Langwaden Abbey or Priory, Hülchrath, Grevenbroich: Premonstratensian nuns 1145-1802; Cistercian monks 1964-today
- St. Mary's Priory, Lemgo, Lemgo: Dominican nuns
- Lette Abbey or Priory, Lette, Oelde: Premonstratensian double monastery 1133-before 1146; canons moved to Clarholz before 1146, thereafter Premonstratensian nuns
- St. Elisabeth's House, Hitdorf, Leverkusen: Olpe Sisters
- Levern Priory or Abbey, Levern, Stemwede: Cistercian nuns 1227-1558; secular canonesses 1558-1810
- Liesborn Abbey, Wadersloh: Benedictine nuns 785 -1131; Benedictine monks 1131-1803
- Lübbecke Priory or Abbey, Lübbecke: canons 1295-1810
- St. Anthony's Convent, Lüdinghausen, Lüdinghausen: Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement and the Love of Christ, also known as the Lüdinghauser Sisters, c. 1900-today
M
- Maria Frieden Abbey or Dahlem Abbey, Dahlem: Trappist nuns 1952-today
- Mariawald Abbey, Heimbach: Cistercian monks 1480-1795, Trappists 1862-today
- Marienbaum Abbey, Xanten: Brigittine double monastery 1460-1802
- Marienborn Abbey, Burbach, Hürth: Cistercian nuns 1233-1802
- Marienborn Priory, Lütgendortmund: Beguines
- Marienfeld Abbey, Harsewinkel: Cistercian monks 1185-1803; Benedictine monks 2004-today
- Marienhof Priory or Abbey, Hamm: Cistercian nuns 1270-1290
- Marienmünster Abbey, Marienmünster: Benedictine monks 1128-1803; Passionists 1965-today
- Marienthal Priory or Marienthal Carmel, formerly Marienthal Abbey, Hamminkeln: Augustinian Hermits 1258-1806, Carmelites 1986-today
- Marsberg:
- * Marsberg Friary, Niedermarsberg: Capuchin Friars 1745–1812
- * Obermarsberg Abbey, Obermarsberg: Benedictine monks, 8th century – 1803
- Merten Priory, Merten, Eitorf: Augustinian Hermits 1160-1802
- Meschede Abbey, Meschede: secular canonesses 870-1310; canons 1310-1805
- Metelen Abbey, Metelen: nuns 889-C13; canonesses 13th century-late 15th century; women's collegiate foundation late 15th century-1803
- Michaelsberg Abbey, Siegburg: Benedictine monks 1064-1803, 1914-today
- St. Maurice's Abbey, Minden, Minden: tbe
- Mönchengladbach:
- * Mönchengladbach Abbey : Benedictine monks 1663-1802
- * Neuwerk Priory, Neuwerk, Mönchengladbach: anchorites 1133-1250; Benedictine nuns 1250-1802; Salvatorian Sisters 1879-1889; :de:Franziskanerinnen von der Buße und der christlichen Liebe|Lüdinghauser Franciscan Sisters 1889-1961; Salvatorian Sisters 1961-today
- * St. Francis' House, or Franciscan Hospital : hospital of the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement and the Love of Christ
- Mörmter Friary, Mörmter: Franciscan friars, 1922-today
- Mülheim Commandery, later Mülheim Priory or Friary, Mülheim, Warstein: Teutonic Knights 1266-1809; Olpe Sisters 1885-1994; "Community of the Blessed Declarations", 1995-today
- Münster:
- * Alexian Hospital, Münster, Münster: Alexians -today
- * St. Ludger's Abbey or Priory, Münster : collegiate foundation 1173-1811
- * St. Martin's Abbey or Priory, Münster : collegiate foundation 1187-1811
- * St. Maurice's Abbey or Priory, Münster : collegiate foundation, after 1064-1811
N
- Neuss:
- * Alexian Hospital, Neuss Neuss: Alexians 1451-today
- * Immaculata Convent, in the former Villa Leuchtenberg: Barmherzige Schwestern nach der Regel des hl. Augustinus : 1923-today
- * St. Joseph's Convent : Barmherzige Schwestern nach der Regel des hl. Augustinus : 1858-1923
- *Kreitz Abbey, Neuss, see Kreitz
- Neuwerk Priory or Friary, see Mönchengladbach
O
- Obermarsberg Abbey, see Marsberg
- Odacker Priory, Hirschberg, Warstein: early days obscure, but possibly some sort of small religious establishment from c. 1000; cell of Augustinian canonesses probably from 13th century, although not mentioned explicitly until 1508; Benedictine nuns 1513-1804
- Oedingen Abbey or Priory, Oedingen, Lennestadt: women's collegiate foundation 1000-1533
- Oelinghausen Abbey, Oelinghausen, Arnsberg: Premonstratensian Canons 1174-1804
- Olpe Priory, Olpe: Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration at Olpe, or Olpe Sisters, after 1863-today
P
- Paderborn Friary, Paderborn: Franciscan friars 1232-today
- Paradiese Priory, Soest: Dominican nuns 1252-1808
Q
- Quernheim Abbey or Priory, Kirchlengern: Augustinian Canonesses, prob. 1147-1532; secular canonesses 1532-1810
R
- Ramersdorf Commandery, Ramersdorf: Knights Hospitallers
- Reichenstein Abbey, Kalterherberg in Monschau: Premonstratensian double monastery 1131/36-date tbe, when canons moved to Steinfeld Abbey; Premonstratensian nuns to 1487; replaced by Premonstratensian canons from Steinfeld 1487-1802; construction work on premises for Benedictine monastery begun in 2008
- Rengering Abbey or Priory, Ostbevern: Cistercian nuns 1247-1803
- Rüthen:
- * Capuchin friars
- * Augustinian canonesses
- Rumbeck Abbey, Arnsberg: Premonstratensian Canons 1190-1806
S
- Saarn Abbey, Mülheim an der Ruhr: Cistercian nuns 1214-; now Salesian Oblates
- St. Jöris' Abbey, St. Jöris, Eschweiler, near Aachen: Cistercian nuns 1274-1802
- Scheda Abbey, Wiehagen, Wickede: Premonstratensians 1243-1809
- Schwarzenbroich Priory, Langerwehe: Canons Regular of the Holy Cross 1340-1802
- Segenstal Abbey, Vlotho: Cistercian nuns, presumably about 1258-1430
- Seligenthal Priory, Seligenthal, Siegburg: Franciscans 1231-1803
- Soest, see Paradiese Priory
- Steinfeld Abbey, Kall: Premonstratensian Canons 1130-1802; Salvatorians 1923-today
- Steinhaus Abbey also known as Beyenburg Abbey, Beyenburg, Wuppertal: Canons Regular of the Holy Cross 1298-1804 and 1964-today
- Stiepel Priory, Stiepel, Bochum: Cistercian monks 1988-today
- Haus Maria im Venn, Venwegen, Stolberg: Christenserines 1973-today
- Störmede Priory, also known as Nazareth Priory, Störmede, Geseke: Augustinian canonesses 1483-1804
U
- Überwasser Abbey, Münster: secular canonesses 1040-1773
V
- Varensell Abbey, Rietberg, Gütersloh: Benedictine nuns of the Most Holy Sacrament 1902-1982; Benedictine nuns 1982-today
- Varlar Abbey, Varlar: tbe
- Convent of the Cellite Sisters, Viersen: Cellite Sisters
- Vreden Abbey, Vreden: tbe
W
- Waldenburg Commandery, Attendorn: Teutonic Knights 1638-1692
- Wedinghausen Abbey, Arnsberg: Premonstratensian Canons 1170-1803
- Werden Abbey, Essen: Benedictine monks 800-1803
- Werne Friary, Werne: Capuchin Friars 1659-1843, 1887-today
- Wiedenbrück:
- * St. Giles' Abbey or Priory : collegiate foundation
- * Wiedenbrück Friary : Franciscan friars 1644-today
- Wipperfürth Friary, Wipperfürth: Franciscan friars 1657-1818
- Wormen Abbey, Wormen: tbe
- St. Ursula's Abbey, Wuppertal, Wuppertal: tbe
X
- Xanten:
- * St. Agnes' Priory, Xanten : Poor Clares 1402-1605; Cistercian and Benedictine nuns 1605-1802
- * Jesuit College, Xanten : Jesuits 1609-1802
- * Xanten Charterhouse : Carthusians 1628-1802
- * Xanten Cathedral chapter : cathedral chapter
Z
- Zweifall Carmel, Zweifall, Stolberg: Discalced Carmelites 1954-today
- Zyfflich Priory, also known as St. Martin's Priory, Zyfflich, Kranenburg: canons, 1002 x 1021-1436