Priory de Essenburgh, Community Mariëngaard & Castle Hotel

History

In 1950, a group of Norbertine brothers from Berne Abbey settled on the estate ‘de Essenburgh’ in Hierden, and founded a priory there. It was not easy to be accepted as Catholics in this Protestant environment in the beginning. One of the original brothers, Father Tielemans told me: "We were called 'Roman papals' or 'white birds' when we walked past with our white clothing." With patience and hard work, however, they gained the approval of the local residents and managed to establish parishes in this area of Veluwe (the largest forest in the Netherlands) and the IJsselmeer polders, land claimed from this lake by dike enclosure in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1992, a small community of Norbertine sisters joined. They have their own house on the property, the Mariëngaard, and participate in the rhythms of daily life with the brothers.

Food & beverage

Guests share daily life with the Norbertine brothers, eating meals and attending daily church services together.

Grounds & Gardens

The estate is beautiful all year-round. There is plenty of room to walk around and enjoy nature. Besides the priory, the district also has its attractions. Nearby visitors can explore the northern Veluwe forest, and from the banks of the Veluwe lake, behold the beautiful views. If the priory is fully booked, it is recommended to stay in the castle hotel. It has plenty of rooms (unlike the priory), and you will still be on the same estate.

Other facilities

Guests can make use of the small house chapel for private reflection, and enjoy its welcoming atmosphere and beautiful abstract wall art by Father Jan de Kort.