The Beguinage Breda is the oldest institution of the city of Breda and undoubtedly one of the oldest legal entities in the Netherlands. At one time about 1,000 Beguinages or convents existed in Europe. In some cases the buildings still remain, but the original institutions have been dissolved. The Beguinage Breda is an exception, for it has continued to exist to the present day, retaining all its possessions, archives and under its own administration. This was possible because the court enjoyed protection from the Nassaus family for centuries.
The Beguinage was inhabited by beguines, free (economically) independent women who formed a religious, social and economic cooperative with each other within the walls of a Beguinage. The last Breda beguine, Cornelia Frijters, died in 1990. The Beguinage is still inhabited by single women. European beguine history turns over no less than 800 years! The last traditional beguine in the world, Marcella Pattyn, died in 2013 in Kortrijk, Belgium.
As you walk through the gate of the Begijnhof, you experience one of Breda’s most beautiful surprises. The Beguinage was founded in 1267. In the 500-year-old walls of the current Begijnhof you will find building remains that are another 100 years older. These buildings ín a building are still visible and tell their own story.
Within the Beguinage, you can also visit the Catharinakerk and the Beguinage Museum
.
Catharinakerk: Saturday from 12:00 to 16:00
Beguinage Museum: Saturday from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Interactive walk: Make your own herb book
Go on a botanical exploration of the historic gardens of the Beguinage, led by artist Mandy den Elzen. During an interactive walk, you will learn about the plants that the Beguines once used for healing, care and rituals.
You will receive a sketchbook and pencil to draw plants and note their properties along the way. Mandy talks about the role of herbs in the daily lives of the Beguines and how humans have utilized the plant kingdom over the centuries.
Times: 11:00 & 13:00 (max. 20 people per time). The activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours. RESERVE
What can you expect?
Historical and botanical stories
Interaction and creativity
Create your own herb book with sketches and notes
The activity for lovers of history, plants or ancient knowledge about herbs and their uses. Discover Breda’s green heritage with new eyes.
For activities for which reservations are required, you can choose a time slot via ‘Activities’ on our website starting August 25. Please note that the number of places is limited!