Béguinage Sint-Alexis, Medieval religious compound in Dendermonde, Belgium.
Béguinage Sint-Alexis is a medieval residential compound for women in Dendermonde centered around a chapel. Sixty-one small houses surround a green courtyard, and a three-floor museum inside displays regional history and how residents lived daily.
The compound was established in 1288 as a home for women who wanted to lead spiritual lives together. It remained in use until 1975 when the final resident passed away, ending nearly seven centuries of continuous occupation.
The beguines chose to live together as a community devoted to prayer and service without taking formal monastic vows. You can see how residents spent their days through the household objects and work spaces preserved throughout the houses.
The site is open seasonally from April to October on weekdays, so plan your visit accordingly during those months. Allow yourself time to walk through the houses and explore the museum at a comfortable pace without rushing.
House number 11 contains original furnishings and personal items arranged exactly as they were left, offering an intimate glimpse into how residents actually lived. Walking through its rooms feels like stepping into someone's private world from centuries ago.
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