Ter Apel Monastery
Monks through the corridors
Ter Apel Monastery was founded in 1464, on the cusp of the late Middle Ages. For passing travellers and pilgrims, the monastery was a place of hospitality and devotion. Both elements are still very much in evidence today. During your visit, there’s plenty to do, from peeking into the old dormitories to donning a monk’s habit yourself and walking through the corridors like a monk. The devotion and reverence for God are particularly evident in the monastery church with its high ceiling and ancient wooden carvings. Don’t forget to step into the abbey garden, full of medicinal herbs, for a moment of reflection and wonder. Or take a look at one of the many exhibitions in the museum.
Groninger Grond podcast
In this episode, we take you to the only remaining medieval monastery in Groningen. At this marvellous spot in Ter Apel, we speak to Matthy Bijleveld (minister) and Margriet Van Klinken (director) about reflection. What does that mean? What is the power of telling (life) stories? And where and how do we reflect these days?
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Monastery beer
In the past, everything to do with food and drink was stored in the proviant cellar beneath the monastery. These days, you’ll find a substantial stock of monastery beer here. Beer was brewed on the monastery grounds for centuries. Evidence of this still survives in the woods, in the form of wild hops. For a long time, the beer was brewed in Belgium and Germany, but de brouwerij is now back in its home province. The current Kruisheren Klooster Ter Apel beers are brewed at Brouwerij Westerwolde in Vlagtwedde. They’re certainly tasty, so be sure to take a few bottles home with you as a souvenir. There’s also a monthly mini-course on beer brewing, complete with a tasting session.
