The Begijnhof of Brugge, Belgium
The Meadow Woods of the Begijnhof
Before 1240 a community of pious women settled in an area of south Brugge in a low- lying meadow or vineyard. These lay women called Beguines, spent their lives in piety and service without taking the vows that a nun would. Due to war and military fatalities there were more women than men in the medieval low lying countries. The order of Beguines offered women (often single or widowed) a dignified place to live and work. When the order died out many towns took over the begijnhofs for subsidized housing. Believe me when I say you could be so lucky to live in one of the small subsidized cottages of the Begijnhof of Brugge. Today we are strolling from the town square through the curved portals of buildings delving further and further into the neighborhoods of Brugge.
Walk Past the Little Market on the Way to the Begijnhof
I Loved These Trees Along our Walk!
Beautiful Pots of Hostas at the Pink House!
Tiny Statuaries Everywhere Along Our Path
Headless Statuaries in Tiny Courtyards Along the Way
We get further from the town center! I feel like I’m in the country!
Walking Along Canal to Begijnhof in Brugge, Belgium
A Neigborhood Stroll to Reach the Begijnhof, Brugge, Belgium
We pass over the three-arched stone bridge, the Wijngaard Bridge, to the main gated entrance. Here is a large beautiful meadow and a complex of thirty white stoned gothic buildings dating from the 16th through the 18th centuries, built around a central yard.
An Image of the Holy Elizabeth of Hungary, Patron Saint of the Beguinages
The Gardens in Begijnhof
Garden Courtyards of the Begijnhof
Beautiful Artwork for Meditation and Prayer in the Begijnhof
The Retirement Homes in Begijnhof
Aren’t these just the cutest places to live?
The Houses of Begijnhof
Just follow the garden paths!
Beautiful Gardens to See, Begijnhof
A Woman Calls to Us From Her Rooftop Sanctuary, Begijnhof, Brugge
Notice the sweet little heart above her head? Another memorable day in Brugge! I hope you enjoyed our walk through the Begijnhof!
Our Final Church Along Our Walk Home in Brugge
The Travel Lady In Her Shoes 
One Response to “The Begijnhof of Brugge, Belgium”
More wonderful photos! I’m really enjoying these.