Flechtdorf Monastery

Diemelsee-Flechtdorf (51.325989 | 8.824948)

Origin and future

The building and pond complex of a Benedictine monastery built in the 12th century has been renovated and run as a cultural center by a volunteer initiative since 2007.

If these stones could speak, I think as I slowly stroll around the extensive complex: they would have a lot to tell. Originally, the limestones lay rough and gray in the ground. Then they were finely hewn and carefully placed on top of each other as blocks. They became walls that listened for almost a thousand years. To the songs of pious Benedictine monks. To the activities of immoral abbots. To the quarrels of bailiffs and counts who fought over the possessions of Flechtdorf Abbey. They heard the curses of the mercenaries who murdered and pillaged during the Thirty Years' War. They took pity on the sighs of the sick and infirm when the monastery became a hospital. They framed prayers for peace and intercessions. They blossomed when people recently came, founded an association and have been caring for and enlivening the light gray walls ever since. These stones tell all the stories they have absorbed over a thousand years. For those who take their time, get involved and listen.

There are few distractions here. The poor mobile phone network in Flechtdorf may be a burden for the locals. For those who want to immerse themselves in history undisturbed, there is a quiet space beyond updates and downloads. As a Flechtdorf resident, Helmut Walter is familiar with this dilemma of seclusion. He has been guiding people through the monastery for more than ten years. Above all, he is committed to its preservation, together with his supporters in the Friends' Association. "Young people are moving away to places where there is work and better networking," he explains, "but at the same time, the peaceful location of the village has an appeal that attracts visitors."

The monastery, which was the spiritual and economic center for a wide surrounding area from the 12th to the 16th century, was in danger of falling into disrepair and becoming desolate in the noughties. The people of Flechtdorf founded an association in 2006, raised money, submitted applications to the heritage office and had the building renovated. Room by room, whenever new funds were available. According to Helmut Walter, their heartfelt concern is not just the preservation of a historical gem. "We want to breathe new life into it." His association organizes camps in which young people lend a hand with the renovation. The open courtyard is transformed into a concert stage and open-air cinema in summer. Villagers and visitors meet for coffee and cake in the former cowshed. Fresh cell treatments for the old monastery body.

But not everything fits in with tradition. It is a balancing act to harmoniously combine the past and future with current activities. Sophisticated concerts and even tango in the monastery church are popular.

It was discovered that this dance has a spiritual dimension. Pope Francis liked to dance it when he was still called Jorge Flores, and a quote from church father Augustine also encouraged this step: "Oh, man, learn to dance, otherwise the angels in heaven will know nothing to do with you."

For the committed people of Flechtdorf, the question of how the historical heritage can be revitalized arises again and again. Or as Thomas More put it: "Tradition is not the keeping of ashes, but the passing on of the flame." In the vaults under the former gate tower, they meet once a month to pray for peace and to reconnect with monastic life in a quiet get-together. As Walter explains, they don't even let the winter cold stop them. "It may sound crazy, but meditation warms me up from the inside." The recitation of spiritual texts, practised in many monasteries in the past as well as today during meals, is on the program in Flechtdorf as a "reading breakfast". Bridal couples appreciate the ambience of the wedding room to tie the knot in a place where history has proven its staying power.

The members of the monastery association are always looking into the history, discovering new aspects of the eventful history and are moved by the wealth of their discoveries. This is how they came across the story of the beer. Old records describe how an abbot experimented with his own recipes. Beer was not regarded as a stimulant, but "as a refreshment for the sick". In addition to hops and malt, he had herbs added to the brewing brew: Woodruff and wormwood, sage and lavender and others. The people of Flechtdorf collected the plants and persuaded a brewery to repeat the experiment. The beer had an unusual color: it was green. A challenge for Sauerland drinking habits. "But it tastes wonderfully refreshing," says Walter with a grin. What's more, home-brewed beer is on trend. Craft beer. He wouldn't mind if the monastery became hip again in this way.

Author: Michael Gleich