Begijnhof

Welcome to the Beguinage in Antwerp. It was founded around 1240 outside the city walls and moved to its current location in 1545 after being plundered by the troops of Charles V. The complex consists of brick houses, cobblestone streets, and a courtyard with a pond and fruit trees.

In 1547, the Church of St. Catherine was built and later rebuilt in the 19th century in neo-Gothic style. During the French period, the beguinage was dissolved and the church demolished, but in 1821 the beguines returned and the church was rebuilt.

The last beguine died in 1986. Today, the Beguinage is still inhabited, and parts are used for cultural activities. Visitors can stroll through it, admire the historic architecture, and experience a piece of Antwerp’s history.