In Flanders, the region's UNESCO World Heritage Sites can actually take you off the beaten path. Visiting the beguinages in cities such as Bruges, Ghent, Leuven, or Mechelen will take your breath away. Strolling through these historic havens of peace feels great.
Flanders is a treasure trove of heritage and you're sure to discover that in its historical cities, in the works of the Flemish Masters, and in the rich culinary culture (Belgian beer and Belgian chocolate!). Among all those good things, a less well-known yet equally treasured heritage is waiting to be discovered. The beguinages, for example.
Walk the cobbled streets of these quiet oases in the city and you'll pass by row after row of cozy cottages. In many cases, these are built around a central courtyard with a church or chapel; patches of trees, flowers and grass complete the restful atmosphere. These communities were established from the 13th century onwards for women wishing to live a secluded and godly life together. They did so independently and according to their own rules, standards and values. The beguines no longer exist, but their heritage will live on forever —and justly so, according to UNESCO. No fewer than 13 beguinages in Belgium are recognized as World Heritage sites. Visitors are always welcome, as long as they respect the peace and quiet.
Want to discover them with your own eyes? If so, take a look at the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde, built in1244, in Bruges. This beguinage consists of the typical, white-painted houses placed around a central garden. Today, it is one of the quietest spots in the city. The Great St Elizabeth Beguinage in Ghent is also a gem. No less than eight hectares in size, it has three courtyards and an abundance of greenery. In Dendermonde, you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the St Alexius Beguinage. There, the Beguinage City Museum tells many stories about its former residents.
In Mechelen, the Large Beguinage is a bit different from the others. The beguines moved inside the city walls, an unusual location for a beguinage, following destruction of their first site due to iconoclastic discord. The Lier beguinage, from 1258, is also worth visiting. This typical street beguinage consists of 92 houses with names such as Het Stalleken van Bethlehem (The Stable of Bethlehem) or Wijngaert des Heren (The Lord's Vineyard), as house numbers didn’t exist at that time. In Leuven, the epitome of a student city, the university now owns the Great Beguinage. There, you can wander among the students and guest lecturers and enjoy the fully restored beguinage with the river Dijle passing through it.
So, if you veer away from Flanders’ beaten paths, you may end up on charming, cobbled streets that will lead you across centuries of history in the beloved beguinages.
