The Leuven Beguinage

On Saturday we had our walking tour into the city and decided to go a different road and this way running into adventures. As we walked we've noticed a very old long brick wall. We saw the entry way, went in and suddenly found ourselves many centuries back. Yes it was weird to think that outside is 21st century :)

Here's a piece of history about Beguinage. Beguinages are complexes of little houses around a square and were created at the time of the crusades to house the widows of the crusaders. Later, they turned into an alternative female community system for women who wanted to lead a monastic life of prayer and service without being tied to a monastery with strict vows. These women became known as 'Beguines'.
The Leuven Beguinage was founded in 1232 for ladies and girls from the city and the surrounding area. It was closed in 1796 by the French occupants, but shortly afterwards it was re-opened. By 1962, the original function had long since ended and the entire complex was bought by the university of Leuven. The old 16th and 17th century houses were transformed into modern flats for students and academic staff. Even after the transformation the Beguinage kept its original look as a city within the city. Most houses are still in brick and are decorated with a little garden on the outside. In-between the houses are cobble stone streets. The Beguinage church, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist has also been renovated. The church was built in the 14th and 15th centuries in Gothic style. Inside the church are about 90 tombstones of priests and beguines.

Amazing tranquility and peacefulness reigns inside this little town. We really look forward for the spring to come and see The Great Beguinage in it's beauty!

See our new photos.