Monastery Bethlehem Haren

In 1506, two Beguines founded a convent in their parents' house, which they named Bethlehem. The chapel was built in 1520. In 1581, the sisters fled from the Spanish troops, only returning in 1642. In 1794, French troops occupied the convent, and the sisters had to care for the soldiers. With the arrival of William II, monasteries were allowed to train novices again in 1840, marking the beginning of a new period of prosperity. In 1845, the enclosure was introduced. The sisters remained behind bars and spent their time in silence and prayer.

A turning point came, and in 1912 the sisters began providing education. In 1948, they stopped this and began making church vestments. In 1965, the monastery closed. Bethlehem became a furniture palace, and after renovation, an events and conference center.

This text has been translated using AI.