Beautiful red houses of the small béguinage in Ghent.
In the 13th century the béguines (women who lived a religious life, but without any formal vows) founded the béguinages as closed communities where they could live and worship in a quiet environment. They are architecturally distinct unities within cities, composed of small houses, a church and a (mostly central) green space.
Annick used to work in the small béguinage of Ghent as a social worker, but we also love visiting those areas of peace and quiet within the centre of other cities as well. The béguinages are often a bit hidden and feel like a separate village within the bounderies of the city. They are often well-maintained and the owners take pride in their house and often their garden as well. If you ever get the change to visit one of them, certainly do so!
