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België - Turnhout, begijnhof

The beguinage in Turnhout was first mentioned in a document in the year of 1340; most probably lived and worked, as in other Brabant cities, Beguines before. In the 14th century the beguinage was situated at the former park around the castle of Turnhout.

The oblong square of the beguinage was enlarged from the 14th century on the grounds of the castle into a small walled village. At its peak at the end of the 17th century 344 beguines lived in 86 houses. This was followed by various lows with fire disasters, looting, plague and other epidemics. Fortunately, the beautiful baroque beguinage church dating from 1662 - 1667, the chapel of the Holy Appearance and the restored Calvary Chapel remained unharmed.

Once through the imposing gate building from 1700, you enter a hidden gem of this 'medieval' world with stylish houses, cobblestone streets and gardens. The beguinage has an interesting museum, located in the Sint-Jansconvent (17th century). This unique museum - opened in 1953, when still three beguines lived in the building - shows how the beguines lived and worked. The last beguine died in 2002.

In 1998 the beguinage was ckassified as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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65 comments

Schussentäler said:

ein wunderschönes Weltkulturerbe
5 years ago ( translate )

Silvana -Silvy 51 said:

Maestoso l'altare dedicato allo Spirito Santo!
interessante tutto. bravo tu a comporre la pagina.
ciao,Silvy
5 years ago ( translate )

Madeleine Defawes said:

Very beautiful pictures of this old town !
Have a nice week
5 years ago

sasithorn_s said:

Very impressive collage and PiPs of this World Heritage Site!
Wishing you a good new week, Jaap!
5 years ago

Nouchetdu38 said:

How beautiful!!!!!
Great shotS!!!!***
5 years ago

Ulrich John said:

A very nice and interesting collage, Jaap ! Wish you a good week ahead !
5 years ago

William Sutherland said:

Amazing presentation!
5 years ago ( translate )

Rosalyn Hilborne said:

Very well presented and with good information Jaap.
Have a good new week.
5 years ago

Edward Bowthorpe said:

Lovely Jaap.eddie,
5 years ago ( translate )

Nora Caracci said:

great reportage !
see you soon !
5 years ago

Valeriane ♫ ♫ ♫¨* said:

belle série ! belle semaine Jaap !
5 years ago ( translate )

Roger (Grisly) said:

Terrific series of image and wonderful information Jaap
5 years ago ( translate )

Philippe Delmer said:

Très bel endroit qu'il faut préserver !
5 years ago ( translate )

Marie-claire Gallet said:

Gorgeous collage !! All pictures are beautiful and very interesting, Jaap !! Have a nice week !
5 years ago ( translate )