Visit the UNESCO jewel of Louvain: the Great Beguinage

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Béguinage of Louvain taught me a lot! This village within the city is incredible, both for its architecture and its history. We started our visit with the church, which was in full Sunday service. We then walked the streets and took photos of all these pretty houses. Originally, this place welcomed beguines, pious women who lived in community outside of society, which wanted women to be either married or nuns. To become a beguine, you had to be of age, spiritual and capable of providing for yourself. These women were therefore independent, actively worked and contributed economically to society. They also took care of the sick and injured. Because of their lifestyle and independence, some beguines were sometimes mocked or perceived as deviant because society saw their autonomy as strange. Despite these criticisms, they managed to create lasting and influential communities, leaving an important mark on the history of Leuven and many other European cities. The large beguinage now houses students and professors from the University of Louvain. You can stroll between the hundreds of houses, the church, and the small interior courtyards. Everything is very pretty and it is possible to take guided tours with a beguine via the Leuven Plus website by filling out a form. This visit was very enriching and we loved the calm and the history that emerges from it.

@Shana | Telka Lab.

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