Our Story
About Bentheimer Sandstone
Over a millennium of quarrying tradition in the heart of Lower Saxony.
The Legacy
The Story of Bentheimer Sandstone
The story of Bentheimer sandstone stretches back over a thousand years, to the very foundations of European architectural heritage. Quarried from the gentle hills of Bad Bentheim in Lower Saxony, this extraordinary natural stone has been the material of choice for kings, bishops, and master builders across the continent.
Under the stewardship of Medici Investment Firm, Berlin, through the ownership of Natursteinwerk Monser GmbH, a new chapter has begun. The mission is clear: to preserve this invaluable natural heritage and make Bentheimer sandstone accessible to architects, builders, and visionaries worldwide.
From the Royal Palace in Amsterdam to the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, the stone has been chosen time and again for its exceptional qualities — its warm golden color, remarkable durability, and the prestige it confers upon every structure it adorns.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Heritage
Over 1,000 years of continuous quarrying tradition.
Eternity
Buildings that stand for centuries, proven by time.
Quality
Consistent, tested, and certified to European standards.
Reach
From Bad Bentheim to royal palaces across Europe.
0+
Years of History
0
Countries Supplied
0+
Landmark Buildings
0
Premium Varieties
The Quarry
From the Heart of Bentheim
Our quarry in Bad Bentheim is one of the most historic sandstone quarries in Europe. Located at the foot of Bentheim Castle, this site has been the source of some of the finest natural stone on the continent.
Today, the quarry continues to produce three distinct varieties of sandstone — each with its own unique character, color, and story. Every block we extract carries within it the geological legacy of millions of years.
Visitors are welcome to explore the Bentheimer Sandstone Museum, which tells the story of this remarkable stone and the people who have shaped it through the ages.
Cultural Heritage
Sandsteinmuseum Bad Bentheim
The Sandsteinmuseum is a dedicated cultural institution located in a beautifully restored Ackerbürgerhaus with modern extension, nestled in the castle park directly beneath the sandstone cliffs of Burg Bentheim. The museum tells the complete story of Bentheimer Gold — from its geological formation 135 million years ago to its role in some of Europe's most iconic buildings.
Museum Highlights
- Geological formation of the sandstone (135 million years ago)
- 1,000+ year quarrying history in the "Kuhlen" of Bentheim and Gildehaus
- Romanesque baptismal fonts from the 12th and 13th century
- Trade routes along European waterways
- Outdoor stone exhibits in the Schlosspark
- Sculpting workshops at Schlüters Kuhle (former quarry)
- Annual special exhibitions and events
Visitor Information
Schlosspark (Castle Park), below Burg Bentheim
Funkenstiege 5, 48455 Bad Bentheim, Germany
Wednesday – Sunday, 14:00 – 17:00
Closed in January and on major holidays
Exhibition texts in German & Dutch
180 m² indoor exhibition space
Service & Delivery
From Quarry to Your Site
Worldwide Delivery
We deliver Bentheimer sandstone to construction sites worldwide. From single sample pieces to full container loads, our logistics team coordinates professional freight forwarding for safe, on-time delivery anywhere in Europe and beyond.
Germany & Benelux
Direct truck delivery from quarry
Rest of Europe
Road freight or combined transport
Worldwide
Container shipping via port of Bremen/Hamburg
Custom Cutting & CNC Processing
Our workshop is equipped with modern diamond wire saws, CNC bridge saws (up to 5-axis), and traditional stonemasonry tools. We cut, profile, and finish to your exact architectural specifications — from standard slab dimensions to complex 3D-carved ornamental pieces.
- Precision slab cutting (tolerances to ±1mm)
- CNC profiling for cornices, mouldings & surrounds
- 3D CNC carving for ornamental work
- Custom surface finishing (6+ finish types)
- CAD/CAM integration — accept DXF/DWG/STEP files
- Sample production & prototyping
Flexible Order Quantities
No rigid minimum orders. Whether you need a few sample pieces for a client presentation, custom-cut elements for a bespoke project, or large-volume supply for a major construction site — we accommodate projects of every scale.
Architect & Specifier Support
Our technical team provides specification support for architects, including material selection guidance, sample provision, technical data sheets, and on-site consultation. We work directly with your design team from concept through to delivery.
The Company
Natursteinwerk Monser GmbH
Owned by Medici Investment Firm, Berlin, and led by Managing Director Frank Fiss, Natursteinwerk Monser GmbH is dedicated to preserving the tradition of Bentheimer sandstone while bringing it into the modern era.
Our team combines centuries of quarrying knowledge with contemporary stone-working technology, ensuring that every piece of Bentheimer sandstone meets the exacting standards demanded by today's architects and restoration specialists.