Schlosspark Gehrden

The beginnings of the former Benedictine convent are shrouded in mystery - however, it is proven that the nuns moved from Iburg near Bad Driburg to Gehrden in 1142. Bishop Bernhard I of Oesede and the nobleman Heinrich von Gehrden, who donated the material endowment, are considered to be the founders; additional donations ensured a rapid upswing. After joining the Bursfeld Congregation (1474), the monastery continued to flourish. After secularisation in private ownership, some of the convent buildings were demolished and the rest converted into a neoclassical castle, which has been home to a holiday and educational centre run by the Archdiocese of Paderborn since 1965. The former monastery church of St Peter and Paul is well worth a visit, combining Romanesque architecture with Baroque furnishings and elements of late Art Nouveau. The Twelve Apostles lime tree in the palace park is extraordinary, with a trunk circumference of a remarkable 10 metres.

Sights worth seeing: Former monastery church of St Peter and Paul (Catholic parish church), Romanesque with Baroque interior, Baroque organ, late Art Nouveau windows, Processional cross, Twelve Apostles' lime tree in the castle park, Classicist gate to the castle courtyard, guest rooms and lounges individually decorated with historic furniture, Prince's Room with Classicist wallpaper

(Source: Annette Fischer, Klosterregion Kulturland Kreis Höxter)