Great Beguinage
The beguinage dates from the 13th century. The community had about 360 beguines in its heyday in the 17th century.
About the Great Beguinage
Today the Great Beguinage consists of a series of alleys, courtyards, gardens and parks with dozens of houses and convents built from traditional sandstone, as well as St John the Baptist Church. The beguinage is currently inhabited by students, foreign visiting professors and staff of the oldest Catholic university in Europe.
The Great Beguinage, along with 12 other Flemish beguinages, was listed as UNESCO world heritage in 1998. You can visit it free of charge.
Read more about the Great Beguinage, women’s town in the city
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Tips
- Take a look at the Small Beguinage as well. It’s not so well known, and is something of a hidden gem.
- Food & drinks in the neighbourhood: Faculty Club
How to get there?
- Address: Schapenstraat, 3000 Leuven • location on map
- By bus
Bus stop Heilig Hart
Bus numbers 2, 11, 12, 79
Route planner - On foot or by bike
Distance from the train station: 2 km
Distance from Visit Leuven: 1 km - By car
Parkings in the neighbourhood: Bodart (10h, blue disk) & Heilig Hart
Accessibility
- Not easily accessible for wheelchairs and push chairs.
