1
00:00:01,789 --> 00:00:03,471
Have you already visited STUK?

2
00:00:03,700 --> 00:00:07,683
There, the '<i>city in a city' -architecture</i>
is rather metaphorical,

3
00:00:07,783 --> 00:00:13,425
whereas here, in the Grand Béguinage of Leuven,  you'll find an actual village in a city.

4
00:00:13,578 --> 00:00:14,358
Come in!

5
00:00:15,872 --> 00:00:20,674
Beguines were single women who formed their own community within the Catholic Church.

6
00:00:20,918 --> 00:00:24,099
Unlike nuns, they didn't commit
to eternal vows

7
00:00:24,199 --> 00:00:27,509
and were allowed to own personal
goods and earn a living.

8
00:00:27,609 --> 00:00:30,965
The beguines dedicated themselves
to caring for the poor and the sick.

9
00:00:31,347 --> 00:00:33,442
There was even an infirmary on the site.

10
00:00:34,115 --> 00:00:37,464
The beguines working there lived
separately from the other members.

11
00:00:37,564 --> 00:00:42,940
That's why the infirmary also had its own entrance. Nowadays the building is a merrier place

12
00:00:43,040 --> 00:00:46,256
housing the Faculty Club: a restaurant
and congress centre.

13
00:00:46,356 --> 00:00:49,636
The Grand Béguinage was
established in the 13th century,

14
00:00:49,865 --> 00:00:52,694
but the first stone houses were
built a few centuries later.

15
00:00:52,920 --> 00:00:57,720
The church is the oldest building on the site
and dates back to the 14th century.

16
00:00:57,939 --> 00:01:01,395
The University of Leuven bought
and restored the site in the 1960s.

17
00:01:01,532 --> 00:01:04,805
Today it is not only a UNESCO
World Heritage Site

18
00:01:04,905 --> 00:01:09,805
but also home to many students,
visiting scholars and professors of the university.

19
00:01:09,905 --> 00:01:13,001
Take your time to wander
around in this peaceful spot.

20
00:01:13,414 --> 00:01:16,862
Follow the alleys and discover
the different quarters or districts,

21
00:01:16,962 --> 00:01:19,224
each having their own personal history.

22
00:01:20,800 --> 00:01:23,674
Certainly don't hesitate to address the residents.

23
00:01:23,774 --> 00:01:25,769
They'll know more about
the history than you think

24
00:01:26,167 --> 00:01:27,900
Don't you think, Yanne?
– Uhu