250 years of hermits in Vrijhern

The first hermit Geurt van Elst took up residence at Vrijhern in 1667. For more than 250 years, he and his 25 successors were responsible for tasks such as teaching and caring for the sick. Hermits certainly did not live in complete isolation – as is often thought. They were socially engaged people who committed themselves to society. The current buildings were constructed from 1709 onwards.