Beguinage "Ten Wijngaerde"

The white-washed houses of the Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde cluster behind a high perimeter wall, their stepped gables reflected in the still water of a small canal. Founded in twelve forty-five, this walled enclave once sheltered religious women who lived in community without taking formal monastic vows. Joanna of Constantinople, Countess of Flanders, provided the land to support these women as they sought an independent spiritual life. Today, the quiet inner courtyard remains home to a small community of Benedictine nuns.