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The Old Beguinage Sint-Elisabeth

A unique and deeply religious spot in 19th century Ghent

The Old Beguinage Sint-Elisabeth is to be found in the north-western corner of Ghent, in the Rabot neighbourhood. The stone wall around the beguinage has disappeared, but the extraordinary atmosphere remains.


More about this tour

Beguines were pious, single women who lived a communal life. They took vows of obedience and chastity and were self-supporting. One of the oldest beguinages of Flanders can be found in Ghent: the Sint-Elisabeth beguinage. This 13th century place is really a “town within a town“, with a church, a chapel, a bleaching meadow and more than 100 white houses for the beguines. There are no more beguines in the beguinage, but Sint-Elisabeth is a listed townscape and a symbol of tolerance with its neighbouring three churches of different religion.  Stroll through the streets, admire the works of art in the Sint-Elisabeth church and listen to legends and anecdotes about pious beguines.


Practical information
Information
  • Meeting point: Sint-Elisabeth church, Begijnhofdries
Meeting point Kerk Sint-Elisabeth, Begijnhofdries
Point of arrival
Languages Dutch, French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, West-Vlaams, Gents
Price from € 115
Duration 2 h

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