Het Stift Weerselo is designated as a protected village conservation area in the municipality of Dinkelland, in the province of Overijssel. Those considering Weerselo for a cultural history getaway will find a clear focus here: the Stiftskerk combines architectural history with a religious function that continues to this day; other named buildings point to monastic connections, the history of schooling and traditional crafts. These themes give the place more than a single historical perspective.

Church and architectural history

The Stiftskerk is the central building at Het Stift. The layout of the present-day church dates back to around 1400. It was probably rebuilt in Bentheim sandstone at that time because of the growing number of parishioners. Its use changed over the centuries: in the Middle Ages, it was a monastery church and parish church; later, it became the collegiate church of the Reformed congregation. It is still used in this capacity today.

Buildings and former uses

The Stiftshuizen are, indirectly, a continuation of the west wing of the medieval monastery. The chapter house known as the Stiftsschuur served a different purpose: long before the French period, it was used as a barn, more specifically as a stable for horses and a carriage shed. The Stiftschool also forms part of the history of education and everyday life: it is said to have been a mark school for children from the surrounding rural area. At De Smederij, by contrast, the focus is on traditional crafts. The Weerselo-based Berends family worked as blacksmiths there for more than a hundred years; in the past, many horses were shod there.

Visiting in person

Het Stift offers guided tours of the grounds for groups of ten or more. The buildings and the uses of Het Stift over the centuries are explained during the tour; you may need to get in touch in advance to make arrangements. There is no admission charge to visit Het Stift. The church and restaurant each have their own opening hours, which you should check in advance. The Stiftswijzer is a wheelchair-accessible information point at Het Stift, with information about the site and its surroundings as well as space for small exhibitions. If you plan to visit the information point, check its opening hours in advance too.

Stift Cycle Route

Another way to include the surrounding area in your stay is to take the 61-kilometre Stift Cycle Route. It leads to historic sites around Tubbergen and Weerselo, including the centuries-old protected village conservation area of Het Stift. It also passes picturesque watermills and runs through the beautiful countryside around Ootmarsum. In practical terms, Het Stift offers a specific focus on cultural history, while the cycle route connects further historic sites, mills and natural landscapes in the surrounding area over 61 kilometres.

Musical tradition

The Stiftsconcerten complement the focus on cultural history with a distinctive musical tradition. This tradition stretches back sixty years. The foundation has made a fresh start with a new board. This means the cultural theme extends beyond architecture and former uses to include music.

Discover more destinations: Ootmarsum, Denekamp, Agelo, Deurningen, Tilligte, Rossum, Lattrop, Saasveld.

For the regional travel overview: Dinkelland.