Begijnhof

The Diest beguinage was founded in 1253 by Arnold IV, Lord of Diest and abolished in 1796 by the French government.
Most of the 90 houses and convents date from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The beautiful baroque beguinage gate dates from 1671.
The beguinage church, built in ironstone, is dedicated to Saint Catherine.
Every 1st Sunday of the month there is a book and antique market.
In the house 'Xaverius' is the Flemish Center for Food and Table Culture with herb garden, culinary museum and library.

In 1998, the Beguinage of Diest, together with 12 other Flemish Beguinages, was officially recognized as World Heritage and placed on the Unesco list.
OPENING HOURS
Always freely accessible.

The beguinage is one of the largest and best preserved in the country and was founded in 1253. Past the beautiful entrance gate in Rubensian Baroque (1671) you enter a world of narrow, quiet streets. The early Gothic St. Catherine's Church dates from the 14th century
Source: hiking guide: GR 5/E2 North Sea-Rivièra - route in the low countries

The beguinage of Diest is a historic city district where the beguines used to live. It is located in the northeast of the old town of Diest, behind a monumental gate at the end of the Begijnenstraat. This beguinage is considered to be of the city type, which means that the houses are located along streets (as in a 'mini-city') and not around a large central square.
Source Wikipedia

Founded in 1253. Worth a walk around.

Historical place, a step into the past.

Here you have the feeling that you are out of the city...

Pleasant stay here...

Beautiful and large beguinage. Well worth a visit