THE BEGUINAGE

• THE BEGIJNHOF
• History
  Hasselt’s oldest Begijnhof is first mentioned around 1245, located outside the city walls near the “Begijnenpoel” and the Planckenweide. In 1567, this first Begijnhof was destroyed during the Beeldenstorm (Iconoclastic Fury). Later, a Begijnhof was established inside the city walls on the right bank of the Nieuwe Demer.
  The current Begijnhof was built between 1707 and 1780 on the left bank of the Nieuwe Demer. The Begijnhof houses date from this period.
  A church dedicated to Saint Catherine, a classical hall church constructed in 1753–1754, once stood here but was destroyed during World War II (1944).
• Architecture & Features
  The Begijnhof in its present form consists of an L-shaped row of houses surrounding a courtyard, now designed as a garden.
  The ruins of the former church remain in the center of the garden/courtyard, preserved as a ruin and now receiving special attention in redevelopment plans.
  There is also a classical gatehouse with a monumental round arch, and the street-facing façades are often relatively blank, with limestone framing and decorative elements.
• Protection & Heritage Value
  The Hasselt Begijnhof is protected as architectural heritage and as a monument. It remains one of the rare green oases within the historic city center.