Rumbeck Abbey

The founding of Rumbeck Monastery occurred between 1188 and 1191. Originally conceived as a Premonstratensian nunnery, it was under the jurisdiction of Wedinghausen Abbey. The community was consecrated to the Mother of God Mary, with Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Nicholas as secondary patrons. In 1196, Premonstratensian nuns from Bredelar Monastery were relocated to Rumbeck. Although the foundation largely originated from Wedinghausen, there were initial efforts by the Rumbeck community for independence, which were, however, decided in favor of Wedinghausen by Pope Celestine III in 1196. The paternal authority of the Wedinghausen abbot only ended in 1789. At its peak, the convent comprised about 20 choir ladies and 10 lay sisters, and unlike other monasteries, it also accepted women from the wealthy bourgeoisie. The sisters dedicated themselves to the Liturgy of the Hours and charitable duties. The monastic community existed until its dissolution and secularization in 1804.

Rumbeck Monastery is situated in Arnsberg, within the Hochsauerlandkreis in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It lies at an elevation of approximately 218 meters above sea level.

Following the secularization, the remaining sisters continued their communal life until the death of the last convent member. The current buildings and their use reflect the long history of the monastery.

• Oeventrop Monastery (Monastery, approx. 2536 m away)
• Wedinghausen Monastery (Arnsberg) (Monastery, approx. 2985 m away)
• Landsberger Hof Palace (Residence, approx. 3083 m away)
• Augustinian Canonesses' Abbey Arnsberg (Monastery, approx. 3170 m away)