Belgium’s Beguinages: Tranquil oases in a world of noise and distraction
Summary
Belgium’s Beguinages are peaceful living areas founded in the Middle Ages, originally made for women who wanted independence without becoming nuns. Today, these beguinages still offer calm and community in busy tourist cities like Bruges.Key Facts
- The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde in Bruges was founded in 1245.
- Beguinages were created as safe places for women during the Middle Ages, when many men died in wars, leaving many widows and single women.
- Women who lived there, called beguines, did not take strict religious vows but could own property and leave when they wished.
- Beguines worked caring for the sick and poor, and also made money through crafts like lace-making.
- The beguinage in Bruges offers quiet and calm amid the busy city, attracting residents and visitors looking for peace.
- Current residents like Trees Dewever and Jo Verplaetsen have lived in the Bruges beguinage for over 20 years.
- The beguinage is marked by a small bridge with an arch bearing the word “sauvegarde,” which means “safe place” in Latin.
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