Groot begijnhof

This beguinage is a wonderful place because it's been preserved just the way it was, when founded in the 13th century. Small cobblestone streets, little houses, chapels and tiny gardens are everywhere. On top of that, the river Dijle runs right trough the beguinage, which looks like a miniature village.

The Groot Begijnhof is located in a very quite part of town, outside the former city walls, and really makes you feel like you're back in the dark ages. It is very quite here, and usually there aren't many people around.

In the 13th century this place was inhabited by beguines, but nowadays employees of the university and students live here. Since 2000 this place is part of the Unesco Inheritance.

I think the beguinage is a place well worth visiting for foreigners, especially from outside Europe, because it is so typically medieval and rustic. And apart from that, it is the most peaceful area in Leuven.

You can enter everyday at every hour, but motorized vehicles, dogs and noisy people can not come in. There is no entrance fee.