Bruges Beguinage

Bruges Beguinage: where Time stands still

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The origins of the famous Bruges Beguinage, also called ‘Ten Wijngaard’, go back to the 13th century. It’s mentioned already in 1244, the very year in which the Bishop of Tournai granted the parish a status independent to the convent of Bruges. Less than one year later the Bruges Beguinage had its own church. Since 1299 the domain of the Bruges Beguinage is no longer part of the urban area. The then King Philip IV brought it directly under the authority of the sovereign, which immediately explains why the Bruges Beguinage received the title of “Royal Beguinage Bruges”.

Since its creation the Bruges Beguinage has uninterruptedly served as a wonderful and tranquil place of rest and reflection, although today, of course, tourism is an added factor. The current complex of the Bruges Beguinage is mainly from the 17th century, but at first sight it still feels very medieval. Today there’s only a handful of beguines left that still live on the premises of the Bruges Beguinage.