Begijnhof

The Begijnhof has existed since 1267. Beguines were single Catholic women who formed a community as part of the city. They earned a living by caring for the sick, teaching children, doing laundry or praying for the deceased. 

Relocation
Originally the Beguinage was located near the Castle, but Henry III had it moved to its present site near St. Wendelinus Chapel, today's Waalse Kerk.

In return, he promised that the Nassaus would protect the Beguinage. And they did, including during the Eighty Years' War.

Herb Garden
In the center of the Beguinage, around the bleaching field, you will find a herb garden. The beguines knew a lot about medicinal herbs that they used in caring for the sick.

The Beguinage today
The last beguine, Cornelia Frijters, died in 1990. Still today, only single women live at the Beguinage. The former Novices' House now houses sisters of the order of "Servants of the Lord and Virgin of Matará," known as the Blue Sisters because of the color of their habit.