Great Beguinage

The beguinage in the past

The beguinage dates from the 13th century. The community had about 360 beguines in its heyday in the 17th century.

The beguinage today

It consists of a series of alleys, courtyards, gardens and parks with dozens of houses and convents built from traditional sandstone. It is currently inhabited by students, foreign visiting professors and staff of the oldest Catholic university in Europe.

The Great Beguinage was listed as UNESCO world heritage in 1998. You can visit it free of charge.

Tips

Practical

Openings hours

  • Permanently open, with respect for the private nature of this residential estate that belongs to KU Leuven
  • Free entrance

Guided tours

  • Check the practical information about the guided tours from KU Leuven in the Great Beguinage and other university locations at the website of KU Leuven.

How to get there?

  • Address: Schapenstraat, 3000 Leuven • location on map
  • By bus
    Bus stop Heilig Hart
    Bus numbers 1, 2, 79, 179, 306, 520, 524, 525, 537, 555, 558, 601
    Route planner
  • On foot or by bike
    Distance from the train station: 2 km
    Distance from Visit Leuven, Naamsestraat 3: 950 m
  • By car
    Parkings in the neighbourhood: Bodart (10h, blue disk) & Heilig Hart

Accessibility

  • Not easily accessible for wheelchairs and push chairs.

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