What is begijnhoven?

Begijnhoven are settlements or neighborhoods that were established in the Middle Ages specifically for women who chose to live as lay religious sisters known as beguines. These women lived in closed communities and were not allowed to take formal religious vows or join convents.

Begijnhoven were typically found in the Low Countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and parts of northern France and Germany. They were often established near churches or cathedrals and were built around a central courtyard or garden.

The buildings in begijnhoven were typically arranged in a grid pattern and included small houses or cottages for the beguines to live in, as well as communal buildings for worship, dining, and other activities. These settlements were often self-sufficient, with each beguine contributing to the community through work or service.

Today, many begijnhoven still exist and are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites for their cultural and historical significance. While the majority of beguines have disappeared over the centuries, some communities still exist, and their way of life continues to inspire others.