Anderlecht Beguinage Brussels
Discover Belgium's smallest beguinage, a tranquil historical haven in Anderlecht, offering a glimpse into a unique way of life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
Anderlecht Beguinage Brussels
Best Time
Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Belgium's smallest beguinage, a tranquil historical haven in Anderlecht, offering a glimpse into a unique way of life.
"A peaceful escape offering a rare glimpse into historical communal living. 
🚶♀️ Wander the Alleys
Discover hidden corners and charming details by exploring the small alleys around the Beguinage.
📸 Capture the Charm
The Beguinage is incredibly photogenic, especially with its historical architecture and greenery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Beguinage Courtyard
Central Courtyard
A serene, historic space offering a glimpse into the lives of beguines. Peaceful and picturesque.
Erasmus House Vicinity
Adjacent to the Beguinage
Explore the humanist Erasmus's former home, offering historical context to the Beguinage's surroundings.
Saint-Guidon Church
Near the Beguinage entrance
Admire the architecture of this significant local church, a landmark in Anderlecht.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Combine with Nearby Gems
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wander the Alleys
Discover hidden corners and charming details by exploring the small alleys around the Beguinage.
📸 Capture the Charm
The Beguinage is incredibly photogenic, especially with its historical architecture and greenery.
🕰️ Check Opening Times
The Beguinage has specific opening hours, often limited to certain days like the first Sunday of the month.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the historic streets and grounds, so wear comfortable footwear.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wander the Alleys
Discover hidden corners and charming details by exploring the small alleys around the Beguinage.
📸 Capture the Charm
The Beguinage is incredibly photogenic, especially with its historical architecture and greenery.
🕰️ Check Opening Times
The Beguinage has specific opening hours, often limited to certain days like the first Sunday of the month.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the historic streets and grounds, so wear comfortable footwear.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Anderlecht Beguinage for its serene atmosphere and historical charm, offering a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Its status as the smallest beguinage in Belgium adds to its unique appeal. However, its limited opening hours can be a point of frustration for those planning a visit.
"Absolutely loved this Beguinage. I am on a mission to visit them all, and this one is open on the first Sunday of every month, when some museums are open to the public free of charge. On a lovely, warm Spring early afternoon there was nobody, even if the nearby Erasmus House, which runs it, had quite a few visitors. The small complex of houses with its cute central garden and overlooking a side of the (outside) church is slightly raised. It was the first time I could actually enter the houses of a Beguinage, since usually they are privately owned and people live in them. The two rows have been tastefully and respectfully restored and are immaculate both outside and inside, where apart from fireplaces there isn't furniture. You can freely wander around and enter each room - they are interconnected - and even visit the upstairs. The atmosphere was so peaceful and it felt like having been transported back in time! I wonder if the beguinage will ever be used for something else. For now, I highly recommend visiting and would go back in a different season!"
Giulia
"Very small béguinage (the smallest in Belgium actually!) It is interesting to imagine how life was like for the béguines when visiting the building, but the old artefacts on display are not really linked to the place (fir instance there is a double bed which was never there until the place was turned into a museum...) and give an impression of incoherence."
Soraya B.
"Wow! A very small beguinage, but very well preserved and maintained. It was founded in the 13th century (1252) and 8 Beguines lived here. These buildings date from 1634. The French Revolution put an end to the beguinages. Since 1930 it became a museum. One building was decorated as in the 16th century, the other as in the 18th century.
Beautiful."
Jef Hendrikx
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Anderlecht Beguinage is accessible by public transport. You can take trams or buses to stations near the Saint-Guidon church. From there, it's a short walk.
Street parking may be available in the surrounding residential areas, but it can be challenging to find. Public transport is generally recommended for easier access.
You can take the metro from central Brussels (e.g., Gare du Midi/Zuidstation) towards the west, then transfer to a tram or bus that stops near the Anderlecht Beguinage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Beguinage itself is often free, but it has limited opening hours. Special events like Heritage Days might have specific ticketing.
The Beguinage typically has restricted opening hours, often only accessible on the first Sunday of the month or during special events like Heritage Days. Always check the official museum website for current times.
No, the Anderlecht Beguinage is not always open to the public. Its access is usually limited to specific days or events to preserve its tranquil atmosphere.
Weekday visits are generally not possible as the Beguinage is often closed to the public on these days, with exceptions for special guided tours or events.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas of the Beguinage for personal use. However, always check for any specific restrictions inside any museum buildings or chapels.
The charming courtyard, the historic facades, and the narrow alleys offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The surrounding greenery in spring is also lovely.
While generally permitted for personal use, avoid intrusive flash photography or professional shoots without prior permission. Respect the quiet nature of the site.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
A Beguinage was a community for lay religious women. The Anderlecht Beguinage is notable for being the smallest in Belgium and offering a preserved glimpse into this historical way of life.
The Anderlecht Beguinage was home to 'beguines,' lay religious women who lived communally without taking permanent vows, often engaging in charitable work and crafts.
It represents a unique aspect of medieval and early modern social and religious history, showcasing a more progressive lifestyle for women compared to traditional convents.
Yes, the Anderlecht Beguinage is often associated with the nearby Erasmus House Museum, forming a historical cluster that offers a comprehensive cultural experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining a visit to the Beguinage with a trip to a local friterie for a classic Belgian treat, as Anderlecht has some highly-rated options.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
Combine your visit with the Erasmus House to understand the intellectual and cultural milieu of the era. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the surrounding Saint-Guidon Church and the charming streets of Anderlecht. This area provides a deeper dive into Brussels' history beyond the typical tourist trails, offering a more authentic cultural experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique History of Beguinages
Unlike traditional convents, beguinages allowed women more autonomy and the freedom to leave if they chose. This progressive aspect made them appealing to women seeking a spiritual life outside of marriage or the strictures of monastic orders. The architecture of beguinages typically features small houses clustered around a central church or chapel, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Visiting the Anderlecht Beguinage allows you to step back in time and imagine the daily lives of these women. The preserved buildings and serene atmosphere evoke a sense of peace and historical reflection, making it a poignant cultural experience.
Exploring the Anderlecht Beguinage and its Surroundings
Adjacent to the Beguinage is the Erasmus House, the former residence of the renowned humanist Desiderius Erasmus. This provides a fascinating historical context, as Erasmus was a prominent figure during the period when beguinages flourished. The combination of the Beguinage and the Erasmus House offers a rich cultural and historical exploration of Anderlecht.
Also nearby is the Saint-Guidon Church, a significant local landmark. Exploring these three sites – the Beguinage, Erasmus House, and Saint-Guidon Church – provides a comprehensive understanding of Anderlecht's historical and architectural heritage.
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