Set at the heart of a landscape that has been cultivated for centuries, Bad Sassendorf has developed into a wonderful sanctuary for health and relaxation, creativity and culture. Important events from the past are brought to life in the nearby historic town of Soest. The first thing you see on approaching the town of Belecke is the imposing tower of St. Pancras church with its characteristic baroque cupola. Learn about the history of ore mining at the Ramsbeck visitor mine.Hanseatic town of Soest
The Hanseatic town of Soest, around six kilometres from Bad Sassendorf, has been the economic and cultural centre of the broad and fertile Börde region since the Middle Ages. During the Hanseatic era the town, with its pretty half-timbered buildings, was home to the merchant guilds. Imposing buildings such as the Church of St. Maria in the Meadow, one of the most beautiful late-Gothic hall churches in the country, are testimony to the town's importance in earlier times. The huge steeple of the Romanesque cathedral of St. Patroclus, also known as the "Westphalian tower", towers over the centre of town. The people of Soest are especially proud of their almost completely preserved town wall and Osthofentor (east gate).Municipal Museum of Holy Art
The provost's residence in Belecke is situated on the picturesque Propsteiberg hill near the fascinating baroque structure of the church of St. Pancras which was built between 1748 and 1749. The Municipal Museum and St. Pancras treasury contains exhibits on art history and provides an insight into several centuries of Belecke's history which is closely connected to that of the parish and Grafschaft abbey. On a tour round the museum you can view selected records and pictures as well as valuable liturgical utensils from the parish church treasury. The eastern part of the building houses the abbot's chapel of St. John the Baptist. Its fascinating baroque altar and portrait of the abbot make it another one of the museum's special attractions. Ramsbeck Ore Mining Museum
A well-signposted tour leads visitors round the Ore Mining Museum, from the "Lohnhalle" where you can gain an insight into the history of mining in Ramsbeck, through various other rooms displaying pieces of equipment used for mining in the town. There is also an extensive collection of minerals, and the tour ends with a slide show set to music. After you have been kitted out with a helmet and protective clothing you can travel on the original mine railway 1.5 kilometres deep into the mountain. At 300 metres underground, where the temperature remains a constant 12°C in summer or winter, experienced miners share stories on their former work down the mines.