Monastery Elsendael in Boxmeer was built between 1653 and 1709. The story begins in 1672 as a Monastery with the advent of the Karmelietessen from Volvoorde, Belgium. Until then the pastor dr. Peelen stayed at his estate and property, as a physician and Dean of the Land of Cuijk. His legacy consisted of a chapel, court, orchard, a shed and some yard. In 1682 the first stone was laid for the new Chapel. In 1720 was the construction of the Kloostercomplex provisionally completed.
Noviciat
At the end of the nineteenth century the noviciat was build at the site of the old house of Dr. Peelen. This was the place where the new sisters arrived and got an extra training before they were admitted as "Karmelietessen" nons.
Education
The sisters taught the female youth, because Dr. Peelen had included if this condition in his will. Teaching became harder as this sister grew older. The wanted to devote themselves fully to the real convent of the Karmel-life. After the strict authority of Napoleon the Monastic life of the Karmel flourished again. In the same period, other nons occupied the Weijer in Boxmeer and used this building as a monastery. These nons in the Weijer took over the teaching of the Karmelietessen-nons. After 1853 the sisters lived entirely at the service of the Lord.
Would you like to know more of the history of the Monastery?
We offer you and your guests the opportunity to make a tour under the guidance of 2 colleagues a glimpse inside the monastery to take a glance behind the old scenes. They take you on a journey through time and the stories of the Karmelietessen-nons.
The price is € 1,00 per person (for a minimum group size of 10 persons). Groups smaller than 10 persons are € 10.00 for the tour . The maximum size of a group for a tour is 15 people. In a larger group, the tour starts in smaller groups. We are happy to inform you!