Church of St. John the Baptist at the Béguinage, Baroque parish church in Pentagon, Belgium
The Church of St. John the Baptist is a Baroque building marked by Italian influences and an ornately decorated facade reflecting the style of its era. The interior displays elegant architectural features that create a sense of balanced proportions throughout the space.
The original building from the 13th century was destroyed in 1584 by those opposing religious imagery, leaving it in ruins. Its reconstruction beginning in 1657 brought a completely new architectural language to the site.
The church served as the heart of a beguinage community where women lived according to their faith and devoted themselves to serving others. Visitors can sense how closely the sacred space and the daily lives of these women were intertwined.
The church sits within walking distance of De Brouckère and Sainte-Catherine metro stations for easy access. Visitors can enter free of charge and spend time exploring the space without time restrictions during regular weekdays.
This building stands as the sole survivor of what was once a thriving beguinage complex, with all surrounding structures removed over time. This isolation gives the church a distinctive presence set apart from the modern city around it.
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