Schwesternhaus Rüthen, später Ursulinenkloster

The origins of the Sisters' House in Rüthen date back to approximately 1480, when Johann Stoiker transferred his property to a community of Sisters of the Common Life. These sisters, originally from Lippstadt, adopted the Augustinian Rule in 1483 and, in addition to prayer, dedicated themselves to textile production and the education of girls. The Rüthen city council established the rights and duties of the community in 1482. In the late 17th century, the Sisters' House experienced a decline, and after a fire in 1739, the establishment was abandoned. A surviving manuscript from 1488 containing mystical treatises bears witness to this early period. In 1749, Ursuline nuns took over the property with the aim of establishing a girls' school. They erected the Baroque building that still stands today, moving into it in 1754. Despite financial support and donations, the reconstruction proved difficult and costly, especially during the Seven Years' War. High debts ultimately led to the abandonment of the convent by the Ursulines in 1772, who returned to Dorsten.

The building is situated in the town of Rüthen, which is part of the Soest region in North Rhine-Westphalia.

After the dissolution of the convent, the building served various purposes. From 1791, it housed a post office and was again used for educational purposes between 1795 and 1803, including the training of elementary school teachers. Later, a distillery and a hotel business were established. Today, the historic building is used by the local Volksbank.

• Rüthen-Hachtor Town Fortification (approx. 309 m away)
• Rüthen-Hexenturm Town Fortification (approx. 449 m away)
• Körtlinghausen Castle (approx. 3580 m away)
• Welschenbeck House (approx. 7531 m away)