The Saint Alexius Beguinage is a little paradise. Here, peace and quiet reign supreme. In 1998, the beguinage was granted UNESCO World Heritage status. As soon as you walk into the beguinage, you immediately understand why. History drifts here through windows and cracks. Which history exactly? You can discover it in the City Museum Beguinage.
History
The Saint-Alexius Beguinage was founded in 1288. It is a typical square beguinage with a trapezoidal inner courtyard and now contains 61 houses and a church. At its height, in the late 17th century, more than 200 beguines lived here!
With the passing of Madame Ernestine De Bruyne in 1975, the last beguine disappeared from Dendermonde’s cityscape. To preserve the memory of the beguines, a Beguinage Museum was established, now spread across houses 11, 24, and 25.
Beguin House
Most of the small houses were built in the 17th century. During the community’s heyday, at the end of that same century, no fewer than 200 beguines lived here.
Step inside an authentically furnished house together with a guide. You will learn what the daily life of a beguine looked like. The house faithfully evokes the atmosphere of the 19th and early 20th centuries. A must-see!
More than just a beguinage
The gates of the Saint Alexius Beguinage open every day at 9 a.m. From then on, the beguinage is taken over by curious locals from Dendermonde and tourists. But don’t be mistaken – some of the houses in the beguinage are still inhabited!
During the summer months, there’s always something happening in the beguinage! You’ll find a cosy summer bar to enjoy a refreshing drink, and during the Pijnders Festival, atmosphere, tradition, raw strength and conviviality blend into a delightful mix!
