Description:
With hard work and dedication, combined with ingenious fund-raising techniques and resourceful pulic relations work, the firends' society Förderverein Kloster Bredelar e.V. has managed in an incredibly short time to succeed at a project that was once thought impossible - rescuing the former Bredelar Monastery in Marsberg/Westphalia from imminent ruin and restoring it to a vibrant new life. The loss of this important piece of cultural heritage with its 600 years of history as a Cistercian monastery and nearly 200 years of diverse industrial uses, in particular as an ironworks, could hence be averted. After clearing away centuries of debris and carrying out exhaustive research on the histroy of the site, the Friends' Society managed the careful restoration of the abbey church and large sections of the former monastery complex, making sure that the traces of its colourful history were lovingly preserved. Today, the complex is a enjoying a new lease on life as a social and cultural centre, hosting myriad events and activities for the community and wider region. Ties have in addition been established with Cistercian sites in other parts of Europe, putting Bredelar Monastery back on the map of key places where European cultural heritage is respected and fostered.