On a windy ridge between Loccum and Rehburg, you can admire the restored foundations of a very unusual complex: Asbeke. In the 1970s, while ploughing, people repeatedly came across hewn sandstone blocks that were certainly not lying under the topsoil by chance. Finally, an archaeological excavation took place, during which ancient foundations were uncovered, but at first nobody knew what to do with them. Archaeologists and historians uncovered the mystery in old chronicles: the site was apparently the ecclesiastical center of the lost settlement of "Esbecke".
In the 11th century, the Archbishop of Bremen was desperately looking for more stones to complete the cathedral of the later Hanseatic city. Although there was a suitable quarry near the old village of Asbeke (which had long since disappeared), the land belonged to the neighboring bishopric of Minden. So the Archbishop of Bremen established a foundation there around 1050 AD and thus came into possession of the coveted stones. However, the not entirely altruistic foundation for the greater glory of God was probably not under a very good star; at any rate, it is documented that the small collegiate church collapsed during the consecration - in the presence of the archbishop. This quickly put an end to the "abbey" issue. Nevertheless, the quarry continued to be used until the late Middle Ages.
The foundations of the abbey were made visible by sandstone slabs. Excavation finds are exhibited in the Rehburg local history museum. The Asbeke can only be reached on foot or by bike.
In the 11th century, the Archbishop of Bremen was desperately looking for more stones to complete the cathedral of the later Hanseatic city. Although there was a suitable quarry near the old village of Asbeke (which had long since disappeared), the land belonged to the neighboring bishopric of Minden. So the Archbishop of Bremen established a foundation there around 1050 AD and thus came into possession of the coveted stones. However, the not entirely altruistic foundation for the greater glory of God was probably not under a very good star; at any rate, it is documented that the small collegiate church collapsed during the consecration - in the presence of the archbishop. This quickly put an end to the "abbey" issue. Nevertheless, the quarry continued to be used until the late Middle Ages.
The foundations of the abbey were made visible by sandstone slabs. Excavation finds are exhibited in the Rehburg local history museum. The Asbeke can only be reached on foot or by bike.
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