About the Location
The Breda Beguinage is the oldest institution in the city of Breda and undoubtedly one of the oldest legal entities in the Netherlands. At one time, there were approximately 1,000 beguinages or convents in Europe. In some cases, the buildings still remain, but the original institutions have been dissolved. The Breda Beguinage is an exception, as it has continued to exist to this day, retaining all its possessions and archives and operating under its own administration. This was possible because the beguinage enjoyed the protection of the House of Nassau for centuries.
The Beguinage was inhabited by Beguines, free (economically) independent women who formed a religious, social, and economic cooperative within the walls of a Beguinage. The last Breda beguine, Cornelia Frijters, passed away in 1990. The Beguinage is still inhabited by single women. The history of Beguines in Europe spans no less than 800 years! The world’s last traditional Beguine, Marcella Pattyn, passed away in 2013 in Kortrijk, Belgium.
When you walk through the gate of the Beguinage, you’ll experience one of Breda’s most beautiful surprises. The Beguinage was founded in 1267. Within the 500-year-old walls of the current Beguinage, you’ll find architectural remnants that are another 100 years older. These “buildings within a building” are still visible and tell their own story.
Activity
New exhibition
Discover the extraordinary stories of the Beguinage. Open to visitors at all times during regular hours.
Visit to St. Catherine’s Church
Available on Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.