Benediktinerinnenkloster Buxtehude-Altkloster (Oldenkloster)

The origins of the Altkloster settlement, formerly called Buochstadon, date back to the year 959. In 1197, the local nobleman Heinrich, together with his wife Floria and his half-brother Gerlach, founded the Benedictine convent, dedicated to Saints Mary and Lawrence. The Bishop of Verden confirmed the foundation but reserved the patronage and advocacy rights. The convent received extensive lands and rights. When the new town of Buxtehude was established on convent land in 1285, the Benedictine nuns were compensated. In the late Middle Ages, the Oldenkloster developed into a cultural and economic hub. After being plundered and set on fire in 1499, it was rebuilt within half a year. Even after the Reformation in the 16th century, the convent adhered to the Catholic faith. Following the Thirty Years' War, when the Archdiocese of Bremen became Swedish, no new nuns were permitted to join. However, the remaining conventuals were provided for until the end of their lives. The last nun passed away in 1700, and by 1769, the convent buildings were completely dismantled.

The remains of the convent are situated in the historic Altkloster district of Buxtehude, a town in Lower Saxony, Germany. This area represents the oldest settlement core within the entire Buxtehude urban area.

Today, no above-ground structures of the convent buildings remain. However, in 1982, the foundations of a portion of the convent buildings were excavated and preserved. The area around the former convent courtyard is a protected monument, retaining the historic paving of the adjacent streets.

• Esteburg Castle (Castle, approx. 5530 m away)
• Borstel Manor (Manor and Estate House, approx. 8009 m away)
• Horneburg Castle (Castle, approx. 8492 m away)
• Harsefeld Abbey Ruins (Sacred Building, approx. 12632 m away)