#beguinage

Normally closed for the public, but exceptionally opened for the public during Open Monuments day organised in September. Location; house of the mistress of the beguinage of O.L.V.- ter Hoyen, a Unesco world heritage site in Ghent, Belgium. In this post some shots of the interior and the facade of this 17th century building that was renovated during the 18th century, hence the facade. This building awaits restauration,which initially was planned in 2010 but got delayed. The surprising art collection i post in next post.

The beguinage ter Hoye was founded in 1234 by Joanna of Constantinople, the countess of Flanders, after the large beguinage. The wall of the south and west sides of the beguinage was completed in 1281. Towards the end of the 14th century under Margaret of Flanders, the beguinage acquired parochial rights.

ECOLE BEGUINAGE

Education in these parts has a centuries-long tradition. Some of the city's educational institutions have a history dating back to the 14th century and are often associated with various religious orders that were active in the city. For example, this school was linked to the town's beguinage, which developed into an educational center from the beginning of the 19th century.

Initially, the beguines set up a domestic school for poor girls. Until the mid-19th century, the lessons were provided by two lay teachers who had settled in the beguinage. At that time the school was limited to two of the beguine houses, but when the activities were later expanded, almost all beguine houses on the street side were involved in the school project. This school was finally built at the beginning of the 20th century. A gigantic complex, which as a "normal school" delivered hundreds of school teachers over the years.