Beguinage of Hasselt

The Beguinage of Hasselt, known locally as Begijnhof Hasselt, is a serene and historic enclave nestled in the northeastern part of Hasselt, Belgium. This picturesque site, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of modern life, offers a tranquil retreat into a bygone era, where the echoes of devout Beguines still linger in the air.

The History of the Beguinage of Hasselt

The origins of the Beguinage of Hasselt can be traced back to 1245, when it was first established outside the city walls near the Begijnenpoel (Beguinage Pond) and the Planckenweide (Field). This initial settlement was destroyed in 1567 during the Iconoclastic Fury by Protestant forces. The remnants of this first beguinage were uncovered in the 1970s during demolition work at the Virga Jesse College, revealing wooden stakes and parts of the foundation.

In 1571, the Beguines moved within the city walls under the protection of Prince-Bishop Gerard van Groesbeek. Initially, they resided in simple clay houses around a chapel on the right bank of the Nieuwe Demer River. The Beguines dedicated themselves to educating the children of affluent citizens and caring for the sick. Their compassion was particularly evident in 1625, when they tended to victims of the plague, a service that cost the lives of six Beguines.

The Present-Day Beguinage

The current Beguinage of Hasselt, the third in its history, began construction in the late 17th century and was completed between 1707 and 1780. This beguinage is characterized by a V-shaped arrangement of thirteen houses surrounding a small, garden-like courtyard. The northern wing, adjacent to Witte Nonnenstraat, contains the oldest houses, built between 1707 and 1711 in the Maasland Renaissance style under the patronage of Anna Margaretha van Hilst. These houses are two-story structures with gabled roofs, and the northernmost house bears the coat of arms of van Hilst along with the year 1707.

The southern wing, facing Badderijstraat, consists of five houses constructed in three phases between 1717 and 1762. These houses continue the architectural theme of front gardens with limestone gates. Notably, the last two houses lack the continuous limestone bands and window sills found in the northern houses.

At the heart of the courtyard stands the ruins of the Beguinage Church, built between 1753 and 1754 and dedicated to Saint Catherine. This neoclassical hall church, now an ivy-clad ruin, was once a central feature of the beguinage. The church was complemented by a gatehouse on the west side, which opened onto Zuivelmarkt. This gatehouse features a grand arched entrance framed by limestone blocks and topped with an oculus, dated 1780.

Decline and Transformation

The Beguinage of Hasselt experienced a decline following the arrival of French occupation troops in 1795. By 1802, only 23 Beguines remained, and the church was repurposed as a hay warehouse. The church was closed in 1881 and later destroyed in a bombing raid on May 11, 1944, during World War II.

Throughout the 19th century, the number of Beguines continued to dwindle, with only six residing there by 1825 and just three by 1856. The last Beguine, Rosa Margaretha Vandenhoudt, passed away on September 14, 1886. The property changed hands several times, eventually being acquired by the Province of Limburg in 1938.

Modern Developments

In the post-war period, the Beguinage of Hasselt found new life as the Limburg Provincial Library, which occupied several of the beguinage houses from 1946 to 1979. In 1994, the site became home to the Z33 Art Centre, named after its address at Zuivelmarkt 33. This cultural institution has continued to breathe new life into the historic site, hosting exhibitions and events that draw visitors from near and far.

In recent years, the Province of Limburg announced plans to sell the beguinage houses and gatehouse to a project developer for conversion into private residences. The vision includes transforming the courtyard with the church ruins into a public space, enhancing accessibility through additional entrances from Badderijstraat and Witte Nonnenstraat, and expanding the southern row of houses with new residential units.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the Beguinage of Hasselt offers a unique glimpse into the past. Its storied history, charming architecture, and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in the heart of Hasselt. As you wander through the cobblestone paths and admire the historic buildings, you'll be transported back to a time when the Beguines' quiet devotion shaped this enchanting enclave.