Did you know that the Bischöfliche Administration – Haus Westmünster once served a very different purpose? This building has a fascinating history. It started as a seminary for boys.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Regensburg in the late 19th century. Bishop Ignatius von Senestrey founded the Studienseminar St. Wolfgang-Westmünster in 1882. He wanted to support future priests. The seminary began in the former Reichsstift Obermünster. 122 students started their education here. By the end of the century, nearly 200 young men were studying here. They attended the Alte Gymnasium nearby.
In 1930, the seminary expanded. A new building was added. However, World War II disrupted everything. Minister Wagner wanted to close the seminary. Cardinal von Faulhaber intervened. He prevented the closure. In 1941, part of the building became a military hospital. Some students had to move to the nearby Priesterseminar. In 1944, classes stopped. Most students were evacuated from Regensburg.
After the war, the building continued as a hospital. It wasn’t until 1948 that the seminary fully reopened. At that time, it housed 415 students. This was its peak occupancy.
In the 1960s, the seminary moved. In 1969, it relocated to a new building on Weinweg. It was then renamed Westmünster. Initially, over 240 students attended. By 1985, the number had dropped to about 110. By 1988, only 77 students remained. The decline in students led to the closure of the boarding school.
In July 1998, the seminary closed permanently. The site evolved again. Today, the Bischöfliche Administration – Haus Westmünster houses the Diocese of Regensburg’s school and higher education departments. These include the Referat Schule/Hochschule, Schulstiftung, and Religionspädagogisches Seminar.
The Bischöfliche Administration – Haus Westmünster at Weinweg 31 has come a long way. From a seminary to its current administrative function, the building continues to serve the community. It even won the BDA-Preis Bayern in 1969 for its architecture. It reminds us that buildings can adapt. They often have stories within their walls.