A Distinctive Beguinage
The Small Beguinage (Klein Begijnhof) in Leuven, also known as the Old Beguinage (Oud Begijnhof), is a charming neighbourhood made up of two dead-end streets. Unlike the Great Beguinage, it has its own separate history and a more modest scale.
Life of the Beguines
The beguines who lived here until the 19th century were women who took temporary vows of chastity and obedience, but unlike nuns, they were not bound by permanent religious vows or the rule of poverty. The Klein Begijnhof, less wealthy than the Great Beguinage, never housed more than 100 beguines, and its community declined rapidly after the French Revolution.
Demolition and Change
The church of the Small Beguinage was demolished in 1862, and the infirmary disappeared in 1954 to make way for the expanding Artois Brewery. These losses highlight the vulnerability of small religious communities during Leuven’s industrial development.
Restoration and Today
A cautious restoration took place in the 1990s, followed by a more thorough project in the 2000s, during which the traditional Flemish houses were repainted white. Today, around 30 historic houses remain, with about half sold to private individuals in 2005. The Klein Begijnhof stands as a peaceful reminder of Leuven’s religious and social history.
(Source: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klein_Begijnhof_Leuven), Photo by Aslı Tezcan
