Step into the Begijnhof to enjoy the rare experience of being in a nunnery and seeing nuns live and work as they have done for centuries.
The Countess of Flounders founded this site in 1245 and the sisterhood of the Beguines formed in the 13th century. The name of the Begijnhof, or Beguinage, relates to a collection of buildings the Beguine nuns used. There are a number of begijnhofs in Belgium and this one in Bruges is an exceptional example.
The nuns you see in the Bruges Begijnhof are not Beguines, but are Benedictine sisters and have lived here since 1937.
To enter the complex, cross the bridge from the north of Minnewaterpark. Many of the houses inside the nunnery date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and some of the dwellings date back to the early 15th century. Walk along the cobblestone paths and enjoy the peacefulness of the surroundings. Admire the whitewashed houses, old-fashioned lamp posts and garden filled with trees. If you are visiting in the spring, admire the cover of daffodils over the grass.
The current church was built in the early 17th century after the original church was destroyed by fire in 1584. Notice the baroque embellishments, which were added at a later date. Relax in the grounds and stay into the afternoon to hear the enchanting sound of the sisters singing vespers (evening prayers). Inside the Beguine's house is a museum as well as one of the largest and most impressive buildings, once home to the head nun known as the “grootjuffrouw” (grand mistress).
The Begijnhof is situated northwest of Minnewaterpark. Both of these are small attractions and can be seen in the same day. Admission to the Begijnhof is free, although there is a small fee to enter the Beguine's house. Visitors are asked to respect the privacy of the residents. At the end of your visit, pick up a gift or souvenir from the shop located within the complex.
