Sint-Jan-de-Doperkerk (Saint John the Baptist Church) is situated within the Groot Begijnhof.
The construction of the current Early Gothic church was started in 1305 and was completed between 1421 and 1468. The Saint John the Baptist Church is built in the local Rural Gothic style of Leuven but also has several Roman chatacteristics, such as heavy buttresses, small upper windows and a terraced tower. The lack of spires is reminiscent of the mendicant orders and the convents. During recent restorations, numerous frescoes from the 14th, 15th and 17th centuries were uncovered.*
As I wandered around the cobbled streets of the Begijnhof I found the sound of the carillon’s bells quite charming and delightful.
*From the Out and About in Leuven walking guide
Begin the Beguinage? I’ll get my coat.
A very nice Beguinage it is too
I love the stairs to the pulpit. Talk about grand!
It gave me the impression of ascending into Heaven
Bright and clear inside.
Yes, I would describe it as light and airy