St. Agnes Beguinage

Sint-Truiden, Belgium

The St. Agnes Beguinage in Sint-Truiden was built in the mid-13th century. Beguinage is an architectural complex which was created to house beguines: lay religious women who lived in community without taking vows or retiring from the world. In its heyday there were more than 200 beguines. Most houses were built during the 17th or 18th century when the original half-timbered houses were replaced due great fire.

The Romanesque-Gothic church of Beguinage has an impressive series of murals and paintings on pillars dating from the 13th to the 17th century. They witness unique religious belief in the Middle Ages. The organ (1644) is considered the most homogeneous and most complete in Belgium.

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Belgium

More Information

whc.unesco.org

User Reviews

Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Clickimin Broch

The Broch of Clickimin is a large and well preserved, though somewhat restored broch near Lerwick. Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch (now increased in size by silting and drainage), it was approached by a stone causeway. The water-level in the loch was reduced in 1874, leaving the broch high and dry. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large 'blockhouse' between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. Another unusual feature is a stone slab featuring sculptured footprints, located in the causeway which approached the site. Situated across the loch is the Clickimin Leisure Centre.