béguinage de bruges
The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde, a serene UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a remarkable piece of history nestled in Bruges. Founded around 1244, this beguinage was once a sanctuary for the Beguines, lay religious women who lived in community without taking vows. Although no Beguines reside there today, the site continues to echo their legacy, now housing a community of Benedictine nuns since 1927. With its white-painted facades and tranquil courtyard, the beguinage offers a glimpse into a unique, self-sufficient world that once thrived within its walls.