Groot Begijnhof Mechelen

The Groot Begijnhof Mechelen is the great pride of the city. This attraction has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Begijnhof was founded in the 13th century and has been located within the city walls since the end of the 16th century. The houses here were mainly inhabited by single women who wanted to dedicate their lives to the church. Unlike members of monastic orders, they only took the oath of chastity. These beguines together formed a kind of community on this spot near the Begijnhofkerk. Over the past 40 years, more and more houses located here have come into private ownership. Many houses have been renovated and are now inhabited by ordinary residents of Mechelen. The many restorations have given the beguinage a more beautiful appearance. The last two beguines who lived here died at the end of the 1980s.