The day after the postponement of the walking tour of Bruges proved to be much more suitable for carrying on with the itinerary. To start off with we took in some of the Beguinages that are dotted around the city. The second two photographs show the Beguinage of Bruges which is a well preserved example of this type of residence.
Flanders is famous for the number of its surviving enclosed residences for Beguines, unmarried or widowed women who adopted a life of religious devotion but without taking the full vows of a nun.
Beguines were initially solitary women who worked helping the poor and preaching. Progressively, and in the face of a growing suspicion on the part of the male religious authorities, they grouped together to live in a walled residential community known as a Beguinage (French) or Begijnhof (Dutch), The first Beguinage in Belgium appeared in Mechelen in 1207.
The word sauvegarde appears above the doorway to the Beguinage of Bruges. This attests to the royal protection that was granted by the Duke of Burgundy assuring the Beguinage’s independent status.
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*Information from Insight Guides – Bruges Smart Guide.
What a beautiful entrance and garden. Thank you for your interesting informations and photos on a very special city. Truly enjoying all your posts on your weekend in Bruges.
My best wishes for the New Year, to you and family.
Thanks Claude I am glad you are enjoying the virtual weekend
Happy New Year to you and yours
Years ago, Cherie, when I was in high school, I once asked my preacher dad if there were such a thing as a protestant nun. I didn’t know anything about these communities back then, but if I did, I think I would have found them appealing, even as I do now…should I ever become single again!
I didn’t take any pictures within the gardens, but they do look very peaceful and the Nuns look serene
Fascinating history and photos,Cherie.
Thanks
I am glad you enjoyed it.
Hmmmm – the mind races in contemplating this.
I am intrigued!
Lovely details! I so enjoy how you take us along with you on your walking tours. All the best to you and yours in the coming new year!
I am glad you are enjoying the walking tours
All the best to you and yours for 2011.
The more I see, the more I definitely am determine to go to Brugge. Here’s wishing you a happy new year. I know it will be a tough one for the PCS.
Happy New Year to you too, I hope you achieve everything you wish for
Yes there are tough times ahead…