1288-założenie beginażu św. Aleksego w Dendermonde.
1975-umiera Ernestine de Bruyne, ostatnia beginka z Dendermonde.
1975-umiera Ernestine de Bruyne, ostatnia beginka z Dendermonde.
These two dates mark the beginning and end of the beguines congregation in this city. They are a clasp linking the eighth centuries of this extremely interesting religious congregation, cultivating the Catholic faith, but completely independent of the Catholic Church.
The beguines lived here, as in other Beguinages, among others from the production of lace, teaching, care for the sick. They vow cleanliness and obedience, but not poverty. About 200 beguines lived in the Beguinage.
1998-Beguinage is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Nowadays, the beguinage is inhabited by the inhabitants of Dendermonde. There are 61 houses here that surround, a small church built in the middle. Despite being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Beguinage is not fully renovated yet. Dendermonde is a small town and due to the lack of resources, renewal is slow. Visiting the city, however, you can not skip this place, a great witness to history. An additional attraction is the unusual museum of the Beguinage.
The Beguinage Museum in Dendermonde
It is located in the house where lived Ernestine de Bruyne, the last beguine of Dendermonde (No. 25 H. Begga). In the same building there is also a museum of folklore. In many rooms, on three floors you can get to know the everyday life of the Dendermonde residents. The building No. 11 (H. Bonifacius) was decorated just like an authentic beguines home. It is extraordinary that this interesting museum can be visited for free. It is worth coming here to learn about the history of the beguines congregation and to visit their home, which was the beguinage.
