House Mariëndaal - Velp

Right along the route lies an impressive, monastery-like building that was constructed in the nineteenth century by the Jesuit order. They settled here in 1862 and used it not as a monastery, but as a novitiate – a training house for young men who wanted to join the order. For that reason, the Jesuits preferred to call it “House Mariëndaal” rather than a monastery.

Mariëndaal was a place of study, prayer and formation. Young men from all over the Netherlands spent several years here learning about theology, spirituality and life within the order. The building grew into a large, symmetrical complex with a chapel, cloister corridors and a park-like garden full of paths and ponds.

After more than a century, the Jesuits left Velp in 1966. Mariëndaal then received a new purpose as a care centre for people with intellectual disabilities. Many of the original details have been preserved, from the chapel to the high corridors with their characteristic windows.

Today, the complex is only partly accessible, but open days are organised regularly. Then you can visit the impressive building and the beautiful monastery garden.

Photo's: CC0 Public Domain