How to visit and what to see in Grand Beguinage of Leuven (Belgium)

When I was preparing the visit to the university city of Leuven during my last trip to Flanders, I was really looking forward to seeing his famous live gothic town hallWithout a doubt, the monument most famous of this Belgian city.

Of course, it didn't disappoint me, but if you want to know what really impressed me the most, I have no doubt: the Great Beguinage.

In my last trip to bruges I already had the opportunity to walk through its beguinages, curious urban enclosures that have their origin in the Middle Ages, and of which there are still examples in various Flemish cities.

What are beguinages?

And its cultural interest is such that beguinages of the Belgian region of Flanders are declared World Heritage awarded by the Unesco.

But I have to admit to you that Grand Beguinage of Louvain It really impressed me, and it was the great discovery of my visit to that city.

Known as beguinages, beguinages They range from houses grouped around a patio to small neighborhoods where single women resided (beguines or blessed), many from the wealthy class, who, without becoming nuns, had a vow of chastity but not poverty.

Specifically the Grand Beguinage of Louvain It dates back to the year 1205 and is one of the largest preserved in Flanders.

What to see when visiting the Leuven Beguinage

With an area of ​​about three hectares, the Grand Beguinage of Louvain It is like a small walled town within the city, which extends along the banks of the Dijle river and includes around one hundred buildings with around 300 homes.

The women who entered the beguinage spent their first year secluded in a common area like a convent, and then had their own home, where they lived alone or accompanied by another blessed woman.

The greatest heyday of this beguinage was during the 360th century, when up to XNUMX beguines.

Subsequently the Leuven Beguinage It gradually went into decline, and after the arrival of the French revolutionaries, the premises became the property of the municipal institution and the houses began to be rented to elderly and poor people.

As a curiosity, the last blessed of the Leuven Beguinage passed away in 1988.

Beguinages, World Heritage Sites in Flanders

During the last part of the last century the neighborhood was restored and, as we have mentioned, in 1998 it was declared Heritage awarded by the Unesco along with twelve other beguinages in Flanders.

Currently this neighborhood depends on the University of Flanders and is a place of residence for teachers and students.

El Great Beguinage you find it in the southern part of the historic center of Leuven, next to a large park on the banks of the aforementioned Dijle river.

When you cross the arch of the wall that encloses this neighborhood, you suddenly feel transported back to the Middle Ages.

This neighborhood of narrow alleys, with stone roads and some squares and gardens, shows you houses with the traditional construction style, most of them built during the 17th century.

Thus, on its facades, all similar, you will see red brick and windows with sandstone frames, although some houses from the 16th century are preserved that maintain the characteristic wooden framework.

In your walk through the Grand Beguinage of Leuven I assure you that you will have the feeling of living in another era.

Furthermore, my visit coincided with the holiday season in University, so there was practically no one on its streets, which undoubtedly contributed to enriching its historic charm.

You will also see the beguinage church, which dates back to the year 1305, in a Gothic style although with Romanesque elements, all very austere.

Of course, be sure to get lost in the different corners of the beguinage, including the small river channels that wind between houses and alleys.

In short, the most peaceful place you will find in Leuven and a essential visit.

Photos Beguinage Leuven

Here you have more photos of the Great Beguinage that will serve as an incentive to visit it.