Beguinage of Tongeren

The Beguinage of Tongeren, locally known as Sint-Catharinabegijnhof, is a hidden gem nestled in the southeast of Tongeren's city center. This historic enclave, one of the oldest beguinages in Flanders, offers a serene retreat from the bustling city life and a glimpse into a unique chapter of Belgian history. As you wander through its quaint streets, you'll be transported back in time to an era when the beguines, a semi-monastic community of women, lived, worked, and prayed within its walls.

The History of the Beguinage of Tongeren

The origins of the Beguinage of Tongeren date back to before 1239, when the first beguines settled near the old St. Jacob's Hospital close to the Kruispoort gate. However, it wasn't until 1257 that the beguines were granted a piece of land near the Jeker River and the Moerenpoort, allowing them to establish a more permanent residence within the city's protective walls. Despite being enclosed by the city walls, the beguinage remained a distinct entity, separated from the rest of Tongeren by its own perimeter walls.

The beguinage experienced a period of peaceful growth in its early centuries, with its buildings initially concentrated around the central area of St. Catherine's Church. The surrounding land was used for a cemetery and an orchard, reflecting the self-sufficient lifestyle of the beguines. However, the tranquil existence of the beguinage was disrupted in the 16th century due to the escalating conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. The beguinage suffered significant damage during this period, with many of its possessions plundered and destroyed.

Following the turmoil of the 16th century, the beguinage underwent a remarkable revival during the Counter-Reformation in the 17th century. The community grew prosperous, and the wooden houses were replaced with more durable stone structures. By the early 18th century, the beguinage had expanded to include nearly 100 houses and over 300 beguines, organized around eight streets with three wells and several public buildings.

The French Revolution brought another wave of challenges for the beguinage. In 1789, the French occupiers confiscated the beguinage and sold it to private individuals. The only gate to the beguinage was demolished in 1818, followed by the gatehouse and part of the surrounding wall in 1841. Despite these changes, remnants of the original walls can still be seen integrated into the facades of the houses that now line the perimeter of the beguinage. Over time, the beguinage became less of a city within a city and more integrated into the surrounding urban landscape.

Exploring the Beguinage of Tongeren

Today, visitors to the Beguinage of Tongeren can explore its charming streets and discover the architectural diversity that reflects its long history. The Bredestraat, for example, connects St. Catherine's Church with the square under the linden tree and features a variety of architectural styles, including classical, neoclassical, and Maas styles, due to multiple renovations over the centuries.

The Brouwerstraat, the oldest part of the beguinage, is home to some of the earliest houses, with the oldest dating back to 1622. This street also features a convent from 1632, one of the last communal living spaces before the beguines began to live more independently in smaller houses.

The area known as Onder de Linde, once a small orchard, was built over during the 17th-century boom. The houses here, occupied by wealthier beguines, are characterized by their walled front gardens that open onto the square.

On the northern edge of the beguinage, the Sint-Catharinastraat once housed the perimeter wall, the beguinage gate, and the adjacent gatehouse. Although these structures were demolished in the 19th century, the integration of the old wall into the facades of the houses along this street provides a tangible link to the past.

The Sint-Jozefstraat, a narrow street connecting Sint-Rosastraat with Sint-Ursulastraat, features several modest 17th-century beguine houses. Meanwhile, the Sint-Rosastraat was home to the Godshuis or novitiate, where novices spent their probationary period before becoming full-fledged beguines. This street also houses the Poverello House, the former residence of the monks who served the beguinage church, and ends at the Moerenpoort gate.

The Sint-Ursulastraat is the longest and most significant street in the beguinage. It features the former slaughterhouse at its entrance, the Brouwhuis (the old beguinage brewery), and the infirmary, which dates back to 1264 and served various purposes over the centuries, including a hospital, orphanage, and girls' school. The street also boasts the Chapel of St. Ursula, originally consecrated in 1294 and extensively renovated in 1701. The larger houses with walled front gardens at the end of Sint-Ursulastraat are reminiscent of those in Onder de Linde.

The Slachthuisstraat, named after the slaughterhouse built in 1834, features mostly 19th-century houses. The former slaughterhouse has been repurposed as a youth hostel since the late 1980s.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, the Beguinage of Tongeren was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998, along with several other Flemish beguinages. This designation highlights the beguinage's importance as a testament to the unique beguine movement and its enduring legacy in the region.

A visit to the Beguinage of Tongeren offers a captivating journey through time, showcasing the resilience and spirit of the beguine community. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, the beguinage's picturesque streets and rich heritage make it a must-see destination in Tongeren.