The béguinage I first visited (the one in Lier) was not in a very good state. Some parts of it seemed really rundown, although people did live in them.

The 'Groot Begijnhof' (there's also a smaller one) in Leuven however is a true haven of peace and quiet. Behind a modest gate, a well-preserved neighbourhood lies ahead.

On Sunday when I visited the site, many visitors - a lot of them foreign tourists - roamed the streets of this picturesque beguinage. There's a photo opportunity around every corner. Great place!

In 2013 I visited the Petit Beguinage of Gent. It is one out of the city's 3 that is incorporated within the WHS (the other is at St. Amandsberg). The beguinage lies a bit south of the center, conveniently close to Parking P3 South. It has several streets within enclosed walls, and access to the individual houses from these streets is blocked by a wall also. The small houses are now in private use, and even some cars have made it into the quiet zone.

Part of this beguinage is still being restored, although most of the houses are already blinking in red and white paint. There were a few other tourists around, and although it is a nice place for a stroll there's not a lot that reminds us of its former use.