The Cistercian Monastery in Bochum-Stiepel is a working religious house beside the pilgrimage church of St Marien. It gives Bochum a quieter spiritual landmark, far removed from the industrial image most visitors associate with the Ruhr.
The attraction is the combination of church, monastery setting, and village-like Stiepel atmosphere rather than a long museum visit. It is worth the trip if you are exploring Bochum's southern districts or want a calm counterpoint to mines, football, and city-centre bustle.