Most of the buildings in the beguinage are managed by the OCMW. Some houses are rented out, others are leased. The leaseholders are allowed to live in the houses, but are obliged to renovate them under strict regulations.
The Herentals beguinage is located along the Begijnenvest. The original beguinage from the thirteenth century was located a little less than a kilometre to the north, on the Nieuwland on the other bank of the Kleine Nete. This was demolished during the Eighty Years' War. The current beguinage was built in the seventeenth century.
• The gate in the Burchtstraat was built in 1640, the vaulted gatehouse on the side of the Begijnenstraat in 1622. • The oldest house in the beguinage is the foundation house (1647), opposite the avenue that runs to the entrance of the church. In the facade stone you can see an image of the Holy Family. • In the middle of the beguinage is the graceful Gothic St. Catherine's Church. You can visit the church from the end of April to the end of September, from Friday to Sunday from 2 to 5 pm. Outside these hours you can only visit the church with a guide. Please note: in July and August 2020, an extra Eucharist celebration will exceptionally be scheduled on Saturday at 4 p.m., so a visit is only possible until 4 p.m. The church is also closed on Friday 7 August, Saturday 15 August, Saturday 29 August and Saturday 5 September. • Opposite ‘Ons Heer op de koud steen’ at the church is the infirmary (house number 13). The building was used to provide shelter for elderly, sick or needy beguines. The infirmary has been preserved in its original state. • The beguinage museum is located in the infirmary. You can only visit the museum with a guide as part of a city walk. The beguinage museum is open in May, June, July, August and September on the first Sunday of the month, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can then visit the museum freely. A guide is present.
Translated by Google •
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