The original Beguinage in Antwerp was destroyed during the religious conflicts of the 16th century before the current Rodestraat location was established.
Beguines were not cloistered nuns; they maintained ownership of their personal property and were free to leave the community at any time.
The Saint Catharine Church within the complex was rebuilt after a major fire in 1914 destroyed much of the original interior.
The architecture reflects the traditional Flemish Beguinage layout, designed as a 'city within a city' to provide safety and autonomy for women.
The garden area serves as a communal space and was historically used by residents for herb cultivation and meditation.
The Beguinage in Antwerp, located at Rodestraat 39, is a secluded residential complex originally established in the 16th century for lay religious women known as Beguines. It transitioned from its 13th-century origins to its current site to provide a sheltered space for unmarried women to lead a communal religious life without taking formal monastic vows. The site features a central garden surrounded by individual houses and a Baroque-style church dedicated to Saint Catharine. Unlike many other Beguinages in Flanders, the Antwerp site was significantly damaged by fire in the early 20th century, leading to extensive restorations that maintain its historical layout. It remains a rare, tranquil enclave located within the dense urban fabric of the city center. The complex is now a residential area, though its courtyard and central paths remain accessible to the public.
The center of the inner courtyard facing the facade of Saint Catharine Church.
Keep your voice low to respect the privacy of the long-term residents living in the surrounding houses.
Access the site through the narrow gate on Rodestraat, which acts as a sound barrier from the city traffic.
Do not treat the area as a public park for picnics or loud gatherings as it is primarily a residential community.
Maintain a quiet volume; refrain from taking photos of private windows or doorways; respect the residential nature of the property.
