Mechelen Small Beguinage
Klein Begijnhof

A quiet and tranquil spot in the city. Come and see the pretty houses and charming alleyways that date all the way back to the 13th century

Ok, so what is a beguinage (begijnhof)? They were homes and communities for religious single women a few centuries ago. They lived and worked sorta like a nunnery, only they didn’t take official vows for life. Klein was the first beguinage built in Mechelen all the way back in the 13th century.

For hundreds of years, Klein Begijnhof (small beguinage) has been a place of peace and quiet in the city. Take a stroll down the cobbled streets of the beguinage and explore the alleyways of Mechelen’s history.

• The beguinage has a small and peaceful courtyard garden. A perfect spot to chill and read away from the hustle and bustle of the city
• Yeah the pretty houses and streets are the main highlights here. But don’t miss the small canal Green Water on the way up Goswin de Stassartstraat. The water looks totally green
• Klein doesn’t get super busy unlike the bigger but younger beguinage of Mechelen. Groot Begijnhof is only a short walk away and, unlike Klein, is part of the main city