Beguinage, Antwerp

Antwerp is filled with historical and architectural delights, some quite prominent while others that go unnoticed by many and the Beguinage is one such historical site.

Secluded from the relatively urban area, the Beguinage is a welcoming sight for those who admire vintage architecture and love history. Enclosed within tall, bricked, windowless walls, the clustered housing complex of the 16th century transports its visitor to the medieval era. Today these isolated structures, reminisce the tale of the land and keep alive the memory of the much forgotten Beguines.

The Beguines were a group of religious women who followed the disciplined lives of the nuns without taking a formal oath or vow. However, unlike nuns, a Beguine had the freedom to leave the institution whenever she liked. This was a very popular cult during the 12th century especially amongst the Low Countries, which includes modern day countries of Belgium, Netherlands, parts of Germany and France.

The Beguinage in Antwerp was founded around 1240 and was situated outside the walls of the city. Due to constant attacks by plunderers, the Beguinage was shifted within the city limits of Antwerp. Today, all the Beguinages around the world are preserved as ‘Heritage Site’s by the UNESCO.