Who were the beguines? Although these women did not enter a convent, they led a reclusive life, removed from worldly matters. But did they retire from the world because they did not know what else to do? Or were these women feminists long before the term was even invented?
Perhaps unfortunately, it has been a long time since there were any beguines. But you can still catch a unique glimpse of their exceptional way of life in the little courtyard, Onder de Linde. The Beghina Museum is located here in an authentic beguine house dating from 1660, complete with small herb garden.
Everything has been preserved exactly as it was, even the flavours. In the museum’s cellar, visitors can taste a craft beguine beer or a delicious elderflower lemonade. If you would like to linger here a little longer, you can visit the beguine shop.
If your group would like a tour of the beguinage with your own guide, please see our programmes for groups and schools.
Information and opening hours : www.begijnhofmuseumtongeren.be
