Mariendorf

Picture a quiet village nestled along a narrow road. This small village is Mariendorf, one of the smaller settlements belonging to the city of Münster. The name, Mariendorf, comes from a woman named Maria Seiffert. Maria was a well-respected figure in the village, serving as a cook and housekeeper for Graf Maria Bonifazius Maximilian von Hatzfeld zu Trachenberg. The Graf, a prominent figure in the community, purchased a significant tract of land between the Schifffahrter Damm and Handorf. He later used this land to establish the Boniburg. The Boniburg, once a grand residence, now stands as a reminder of the Graf’s influence over the area, even though its connection to Mariendorf remains relatively unknown. But back in the late 19th century, locals referred to this settlement as \”Maria ihr Dorp\”, a playful nod to Maria’s role in the village’s development. This endearing nickname evolved to become the official name Mariendorf, forever connecting Maria’s legacy to this quaint corner of Münster. Today, Mariendorf stands as a testament to a rich past, blending the quiet charm of a rural village with the vibrant pulse of a bustling city, a testament to the enduring spirit of its namesake, Maria Seiffert.