Visit the UNESCO jewel of Leuven: the Great Beguinage

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Béguinage of Leuven 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 holding its Sunday service. We then walked through the streets and took photos of the pretty houses. Originally, this place welcomed beguines, pious women who lived in a community outside of mainstream society, which expected 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, as society saw their autonomy as unusual. 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 Leuven. You can stroll among the hundreds of houses, the church, and the small interior courtyards.

@Shana | Telka Lab.

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