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Neighborhood · Mechelen, Antuérpia
Groot Begijnhof
Former complex of houses of the beguines, laywomen who lived in community, with narrow streets and the baroque church of Sint-Alexius and Sint-Catharina. UNESCO World Heritage.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Groot Begijnhof
The begijnhoven were communities of beguines, women who lived together, led a religious life without taking nun's vows, and supported themselves by their own work. In Flanders, several of these complexes have been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage, and Mechelen has two: the Groot Begijnhof, the large one, and the Klein Begijnhof, the small one.
The Groot Begijnhof occupies a city block of narrow streets northwest of the center, near Nonnenstraat. The low brick houses, with painted doors and windows, are now residences, and the place has become a quiet residential neighborhood.
In the center is the Begijnhof church, dedicated to Saint Alexius and Saint Catherine. Built between 1629 and 1637 to designs by Pieter Huyssens and Jacob Franquart, it has a three-tiered Baroque façade. Behind the altar is The Assumption of Mary by Lucas Franchoys the Younger.
On the edge of the Begijnhof is the Het Anker brewery, where Gouden Carolus is made — a beer named after Charles V, who spent his childhood in Mechelen.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes to 1 hour to walk the streets and see the church.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when the neighborhood is quieter. Keep quiet: the houses are private residences.
How to get there
It's about 700 metres from the Grote Markt, roughly a 10-minute walk following Lange Nieuwstraat or Begijnenstraat. From Mechelen station it's about a 25-minute walk.
Tip
Combine it with Kazerne Dossin, which is nearby. The Het Anker brewery at the edge of the Begijnhof welcomes visitors and has a café; check opening times before you go.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Groot Begijnhof
Who were the beguines?
Laywomen who lived in community, with a religious life but without taking nun's vows, and supported themselves through their own work.
Can you enter the houses?
No. They are private homes. The visit is along the streets and through the church.
What is Het Anker?
A brewery on the edge of the Begijnhof, where Gouden Carolus is produced.