Münster Off The Beaten Path

Pigs are very clean animals. This one is taking a shower in the front garden of a flower shop next to Zentralfriedhof. The shower is really on at intervals; of course it had just stopped when I had the camera ready.

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The Catholic Academy does conventions, seminars etc. about almost any topic that is in the widest sense connected with Christian faith - see the website for the current programme. I have been three times, always in September for the study week on art history and theology which takes place every year. The house provides accommodation and meals for the participants and the atmosphere is very pleasant, friendly and familiar.
Language skills in German are needed.

Address: Kardinal-von-Galen-Ring 50 (west of the city centre, not far from Aasee)

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The renaissance building has been repaired in its original shape after the war. It is the house of Dutch culture and hosts exhibitions of contemporary art nowadays.

The house served as accommodation for the Dutch delegation during the negotiations that lead to the Peace Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, which ended the 30 Years War.

Location: behind Lambertikirche

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The field with the graves of the Clemensschwestern (Sisters of St Clement) in Zentralfriedhof has long rows with little tombstones that are all alike. All except one. One of the nuns got a special grave in a modern glass chapel which is visited frequently by faithful catholics who leave candles and flowers and “Thank You” gifts. One of them, Sister M. Euthymia, was beatified under Pope John Paul II, so her grave became a pilgrimage destination.

Life of Sister M. Euthymia
Emma Offing was born in Halverde (Steinfurt district) in 1914. In 1934 she joined the order of the Clemensschwestern in Münster and received the name Euthymia. There she became a trained nurse. During the war she took care of prisoners of war and forced labourers. These called her “Angel of Love”.
In 1948 she returned to Münster and took the direction of the laundry of convent and hospital. Despite a lot of work she remained the friendly sister who had a smile and a good word for everyone and helped everyone who asked her to. She spent a lot of time in prayer.
In 1955 she died of cancer. Since her death people have been praying for her intercession with the Lord.
Sister M. Euthymia was beatified in Rome on October 7, 2001.
(Translated by yours truly from the board outside the chapel)

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Münster’s main cemetery, located between palace and Aa lake, covers a huge area. It is not exactly a tourist destination but if you are in this part of the town it is worth a look. In the front part around the alley old tombstones of famous citizens and noble families are to be found. The cemetery is divided among the parishes of the city, most of which are catholic but the protestants have their grave fields, too. The monasteries have their own graveyards with uniform little tombstones showing the names of the monks or nuns.

More photos in the travelogue.

One of the most idyllic moated castles in the Münsterland, in the little town of Raesfeld (near Dorsten). The castle is used as a public administration academy, so the interior cannot be visited, but you can admire the castle from outside or walk the castle grounds in a beautiful rural setting. A few nice shops have set up in the castle, and there is a good restaurant. Popular setting for weddings, too !

P.S.: The moat is filled with waterbirds (canada geese, black swans, ducks etc.) - so watch out not to step in their droppings.

Beautiful Schloss Westerwinkel in Ascheberg is only open to the public for groups after prior telephonical appointment. If you are interested, you will have to check with the local tourist office. It is probably less complicated to just visit the castle grounds, which are impressive enough. The inner courtyard is open for visitors, and you can walk along the moat around the castle.

This huge moated castle is now used as a Youth Hostel - the interior can therefore not be visited. You can walk around this impressive castle along the moat though. The castle dates back to the 11th century but due to architectural additions the form it has now was established mainly in the 17th century.