Have you already visited STUK?
There, the 'city in a city' -architecture is rather metaphorical,
whereas here, in the Grand Béguinage of Leuven, you'll find an actual village in a city.
Come in!
Beguines were single women who formed their own community within the Catholic Church.
Unlike nuns, they didn't commit to eternal vows
and were allowed to own personal goods and earn a living.
The beguines dedicated themselves to caring for the poor and the sick.
There was even an infirmary on the site.
The beguines working there lived separately from the other members.
That's why the infirmary also had its own entrance. Nowadays the building is a merrier place
housing the Faculty Club: a restaurant and congress centre.
The Grand Béguinage was established in the 13th century,
but the first stone houses were built a few centuries later.
The church is the oldest building on the site and dates back to the 14th century.
The University of Leuven bought and restored the site in the 1960s.
Today it is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site
but also home to many students, visiting scholars and professors of the university.
Take your time to wander around in this peaceful spot.
Follow the alleys and discover the different quarters or districts,
each having their own personal history.
Certainly don't hesitate to address the residents.
They'll know more about the history than you think
Don't you think, Yanne? – Uhu