Beguinage of Anderlecht, Renaissance religious community in Anderlecht, Belgium
This beguinage in Anderlecht is a residential complex built around an enclosed courtyard where a central well still stands among the garden areas. The buildings display Renaissance details mixed with additions from later periods, creating layers of construction in brick, white stone, and older wooden sections.
It was established in 1634 when independent religious women founded their own community in this location. The French Revolution brought major changes that converted it into a care facility serving different purposes for centuries after.
The women living here maintained their own rules and kept their independence while supporting the community through crafts and care work, a way of life visible in how the courtyards and workshops are still arranged.
Visiting requires checking ahead since openings are limited and often organized as guided tours rather than open access. It is worth confirming the current schedule before arriving, as arrangements may change based on community needs.
A wooden structure dating to the early 15th century remains visible and integrated into the later brick additions, making this the smallest of its kind in the country. The way these different building phases blend together shows how the complex evolved organically over time.
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