Baggaertshof, Historical housing complex in Kortrijk, Belgium
Baggaertshof is a residential compound made up of twelve dwellings arranged in a rectangular formation around a central courtyard in Kortrijk. The inner courtyard contains a working garden where medicinal and aromatic herbs grow, maintained as they have been for centuries.
The Baggaert sisters founded this residence in 1638 as shelter for widows and unmarried women experiencing economic hardship. The creation of this space reflected broader efforts in 17th-century Flanders to build community support networks for vulnerable populations.
The courtyard layout shows how residents lived closely together as a community, sharing everyday tasks and mutual support. The small chapel at the center reveals the role of faith in daily life for those who called this place home.
You can walk through the courtyard and garden at your own pace, and the rectangular layout makes it easy to see everything without getting lost. Take time to move slowly through the space so you can notice the details of the buildings and plants.
The garden holds more than 200 types of medicinal and aromatic herbs, keeping alive knowledge from old traditions. Many of these plants were originally grown to treat illnesses and ease suffering, a purpose you can sense remains at the heart of this space.
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