Groot Begijnhof (Great Beguinage)
Origin
The origin of the name 'begijn' is unclear. These women only took temporary vows of chastity and obedience to the 'mistresses' of their choice. As opposed to the conventuals they did not have to observe the rule of poverty and were therefore able to have private property and an income. For the remainder they provided for themselves via donations made to the 'begijnhof'. They also generated income from teaching, health care, manual labour like embroidery, sewing, washing, spinning …
1795
When the 'begijnhof' was abolished in 1795 some 198 'begijnen' lived there. The more prosperous 'begijnen' had a private residence. The poorer 'begijnen' lived together in 'convents', community houses. An infirmary was available for the sick and poor old 'begijnen'.
Small town in the city
The Groot Begijnhof has the appearance of a small town in the city. It is a succession of streets, squares, gardens and parks, with tens of houses and convents in traditional brick and sandstone style. This small town was restored between 1964 and 1989 by the Catholic University of Leuven, who had purchased the site in 1962 from the Social Welfare Commission.
Today
Today it houses students and university staff. The old infirmary and the Chièvres Convent house the Faculty Club, the meeting place for science, culture and enterprise.
World Heritage Site
On 31 March 2000, it was officially recognised by Unesco as a World Heritage Site.
The Groot Begijnhof is open to the public free of charge.
