Groot Begijnhof Mechelen

The Great Beguinage has existed since the 13th century, but was located outside the city walls.
It was approximately 20 hectares in size and consisted of about a hundred houses (convents).
at its peak (ca. 1550) no fewer than 1500 Beguines.
What lies outside the city walls is of course vulnerable to attacks and plundering. The iconoclasm of 1566 and the attack by the Duke of Alva in 1572 caused the Beguines to move to other places in 1578. All remaining buildings were then left destroyed.
In 1595, some of the Beguines returned and settled in this district within the city walls. Both the Beguinage Church and many other buildings date from the early 1600s. The last Beguines died at the end of the 1980s. The Great Beguinage has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Most of the houses and the church are historically protected buildings since the last century.
Be sure to take the time to stroll through the Great Beguinage. To really experience the beguinage atmosphere, make a circle via Krankenstraat, Hoviusstraat and Conventstraat back to the Begijnhof Church via Nonnenstraat where the Jesus Gate is located, one of the two gates of the beguinage.
Enjoy the peace and atmosphere.

Quiet place in the hustle and bustle of the city.