Béguinage Turnhout, Medieval religious community in Turnhout, Belgium.
Béguinage Turnhout is a medieval women's community in Turnhout featuring a church from the 17th century. The buildings are arranged around a central courtyard that creates a contained, sheltered atmosphere.
The beguinage was founded in medieval times and reached its largest population in the year 1675. The architecture evolved over centuries, with the gatehouse from 1700 representing an example of early classicism.
Beguines were women who lived together in community and devoted themselves to social work without taking formal religious vows. The museum shows how they organized their daily routines and the kinds of work they performed.
Visitors should expect level pathways connecting the different buildings that are easy to walk. It helps to allow time to explore both the courtyard and the connected museum.
The gatehouse displays a statue of Saint Bega, the patroness of beguines, marking the entrance. This baroque detail is a rare example of the specific devotion associated with these religious women communities.
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