Begijnhof

Welcome to the Antwerp Begijnhof, a secret village tucked away just a few blocks from the bustling university district and the main shopping streets. As you step through the modest entrance on Rodestraat, the city's noise seems…

The transition from the busy streets of Antwerp into the Begijnhof is one of the most dramatic sensory shifts the city offers. The entrance on Rodestraat is relatively discreet, marked by an arched gateway that leads into this…

At the center of the Begijnhof stands the Saint Catherine Church, the spiritual anchor of the community. The current church was built in the early 19th century, replacing a medieval predecessor that had fallen into disrepair. …

Surrounding the central green are the houses of the Beguines, each one a testament to the community's commitment to modesty and self-sufficiency. These traditional brick townhouses mostly date from the 17th and 18th centuries,…

The open space at the heart of the Begijnhof is a beautiful village green, often featuring fruit trees that recall the community’s agricultural roots. In the past, this orchard would have provided the Beguines with fresh fruit…

Throughout the Begijnhof, you may encounter statues and symbols that pay homage to the women who once inhabited this space. Look for the statue of a Beguine, often depicted in the traditional habit—a simple dark dress and a white…

As you complete your loop of the Begijnhof, take a moment to observe the subtle signs of modern life that coexist with the ancient architecture. Today, the Beguinage is no longer exclusively for women of faith; it is a…

As we exit the Begijnhof and step back onto the Rodestraat, the silence of the courtyard stays with you for a few moments, a lingering echo of a different time. We have explored the entrance that serves as a boundary between…