The monastery of Susteren began as a resting place for travelling missionaries on their way between Utrecht and Echternach. It soon grew into one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the Netherlands. Here, noble ladies — the so-called stiftdames — lived together with priests and servants in wooden and later stone buildings. The monastery complex was a leading place in the region, radiating wealth and power.
Excavations have revealed many special finds that tell the story of daily life within the monastery walls. The metal keys are particularly striking: they locked chests, cupboards and doors that kept the stiftdames’ valuables safe.
Today, you can still admire the 18th-century monastery church. Be sure to also visit the treasury of Susteren and see this unique history with your own eyes.