Discover Monastery Gate and Women's Chapel Riddagshausen with New Eyes

Discover Riddagshausen: Medieval Monastery Gate and Women's Chapel

On October 18, 2026, the Monastery Church of St. Mary Riddagshausen invites you to a public tour of two impressive testimonies of the medieval monastery district. The focus is on the historical monastery gate and the women's chapel, whose walls still tell tales of pilgrims, strangers, and the everyday life of the Cistercians.

History at the Former Monastery Entrance

The meeting point is at 12:15 PM at the monastery gate. The tour follows the 11 AM church service in the monastery church and leads to a place that for centuries formed the only access to the walled monastery district. The monastery gate dates back to the second half of the 12th century, while the outer walls of the gatehouse were built in the third quarter of the 13th century.

The Women's Chapel and Its Special Function

East of the gatehouse lies the women's or foreign chapel from the 13th century. It stood freely until the 15th century and was later incorporated into the adjacent buildings. The adjoining connecting building may once have served as a sleeping area for external guests. Thus, the tour combines architectural history with traces of medieval hospitality and monastic care.

Riddagshausen as a Living Monastic Ensemble

The tour opens up the cultural heritage of the Monastery Riddagshausen. The Cistercians shaped the landscape east of Braunschweig from the 12th century onward, created fish ponds, and transformed the boggy lowland area into fertile meadows and fields. Alongside the monastery gate and women's chapel, the monastery church, monastery wall, leper chapel, and Cistercian museum also belong to the historical ensemble.

With Joachim Hempel in Search of Traces

The history and stories are conveyed by retired cathedral preacher Joachim Hempel, who previously served as a pastor at the monastery church. His local knowledge provides a personal access to the sights and makes the city tour a special discovery experience for culture enthusiasts, history lovers, and guests of Braunschweig.

Conclusion: A Focused Look at Braunschweig's Monastic History

The public tour offers an illustrative insight into medieval building history, Cistercian culture, and the development of the Riddagshausen monastery district. Those who enjoy experiencing historical places directly and want to discover local history with knowledgeable guidance will find a cultural enrichment in a special atmosphere here. Admission is free.

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Sources:

• Freizeitregion – Public Tour: Monastery Gate and Women's Chapel Riddagshausen
• City of Braunschweig – Gatehouse and Women's Chapel
• City of Braunschweig – Monastery Riddagshausen