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Monument · Bruges, Flandres Ocidental
Prinselijk Begijnhof Ten Wijngaerde
Group of white houses around a lawn with trees, founded around 1245 for the beguines. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it asks visitors to be quiet.
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 Prinselijk Begijnhof Ten Wijngaerde
Begijnhof de Bruges was founded around 1245 by Margaret of Constantinople, countess of Flanders, to house the beguines, religious women who lived in community without taking nun's vows. The princely title comes from the protection given by the counts.
Crossing the bridge and the entrance gate, visitors find whitewashed houses around a lawn with tall trees, where spring usually brings daffodils from March to April. The church is in the same courtyard.
There are no more beguines. Since 1927 the complex has housed Benedictine nuns, and some of the houses are occupied by unmarried women from Bruges. One of the houses near the entrance serves as a small museum with furniture and objects from the beguines' lives.
Since 1998 the Begijnhof has been part of the Flemish beguinages listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As it is a residence and place of prayer, silence is requested during the visit.
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
20 to 40 minutes, including the house museum.
Best time
Early in the morning before the groups, or late in the afternoon. Daffodils usually bloom on the lawn in March and April.
How to get there
It's in the south of the center, about a 10-minute walk from Brugge station and 15 minutes from the Markt. The Minnewater is next to it.
Tip
Combine the visit with the Minnewater, just to the south, and with the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk on the way to the Markt. Don't walk on the grass and keep your voice down.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Prinselijk Begijnhof Ten Wijngaerde
Who were the beguines?
Religious women who lived in community, praying and working, without the permanent vows of nuns. In Bruges, the Begijnhof was their home for centuries.
Does anyone still live in the Begijnhof?
Yes. Benedictine nuns and single women from Bruges still live there, so visits must be quiet.