Beguinage of Oudenaarde, Medieval religious courtyard in Oudenaarde, Belgium
The Beguinage of Oudenaarde is built around two courtyards containing gardens and linked by cobblestone paths, with roughly 30 white houses forming the main settlement. The oldest standing structure dates to 1500 and originally served as the residence of rector Van De Velde.
Founded in 1449, this community served as a sanctuary for unmarried religious women who managed their own property while maintaining a devout lifestyle. Structures were gradually added and rebuilt over centuries as the settlement evolved to meet the needs of its residents.
The entrance gate displays a statue of Saint Roch with his plague-marked leg, a reminder of how disease shaped life in this community. This image reflects the spiritual concerns that defined daily worship here.
The site is straightforward to explore on foot, with clear pathways connecting the courtyards and buildings in a logical layout. A slow walk through the inner courtyards gives you time to notice the architectural variations and landscaping details across different time periods.
The Scheldt River once wrapped completely around this settlement, creating a natural boundary that isolated the religious community from the wider city. This geographic separation allowed the women to maintain their independent way of life and customs across generations.
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