Begijnhof

A begijnhof, or beguinage, is a historic residential complex built to house beguines, lay religious women who lived in a community without taking formal vows. Beguines emerged in the 12th to 13th centuries in the Low Countries as a flexible, prayerful way of life that combined religious devotion with charitable work and daily chores. Begijnhoven were intended as self-governing enclaves where women could live a contemplative life, support themselves, and engage in acts of mercy.

Typically, a begijnhof consisted of a central courtyard (hof) surrounded by small houses, a chapel, and shared facilities. The layout fostered a sense of community while offering privacy and security. The houses were modest, often with distinctive façades, and the compounds were usually enclosed by walls or fences to mark their separation from the surrounding urban area. Each community was run by elder sisters or lay managers and relied on local patrons for support.

Begijnhoven were especially common in present-day Netherlands and Belgium, with several notable survivals in Amsterdam, Leuven, Mechelen, Hoogstraten, and other towns. Over time, many begijnhoven were transformed or repurposed as churches, hospitals, schools, or housing, particularly after the Reformation and through modern urban development. Some sites remain inhabited or serve as museums and cultural heritage centers, preserving the memory of the beguines and their way of life.

Today, beguinages are valued as historical and architectural heritage. They illustrate a distinctive form of religious and social life in medieval and early modern Europe and continue to attract scholars and visitors interested in urban history, religious communities, and women’s history.