A Lost World in Antwerp

In Antwerp, we heard about this interesting place in the middle of the city that is a walled-in housing area with a central courtyard surrounded by small apartments. It was started by women of a Roman Catholic order in the 13th century. These catholic women, beguines, were looking for holiness instead becoming a nun.

Although they lived and prayed together for protection, historians believed they banded together after losing husbands to the crusades. This beguinage was surrounded by tall red brick walls and when we decided to visit, there was a light rain falling. When we entered the passage gate, we noticed how peaceful and tranquil the entire grounds were.


The small apartments surrounded a courtyard area.

The courtyard shut out the busy world outside.  There was an old wrought iron fence with gates at each end.  Herbs and flowers and well-manicured shrubs bordered a peaceful walking path.  There are 29 beguinages in Belgium, more than in any other country. 
 

Each apartment had the name of a saint inscribed over the door. In the 17th century, more than 220 women lived around this courtyard. Now, elderly women and retired couples can rent these apartments.  There are about 100 residents there today.


 
A chapel sits at one corner of the square that is typical of all these beguinages. 
 
Where I am standing, you can see modern buildings in the background, but you could not hear the traffic anywhere behind the walls and dwellings.  I can understand why these women lived in this charming and zen-like environment. 

The entire area was no more than half a city block.  Just a narrow cobblestone driveway separates the apartment entries from the courtyard.  It was like entering a little village completely apart from the city beyond.  If you want to read more about "A Lost World Made by Women," check out this link: http://www.mindfood.com/at-women-beguines-europe-catholic-laic-order-feminism.seo

Tschus!