The gaze of anyone visiting the picturesque Beguinage will be drawn to the centrally located Beguinage Church. A church has graced this serene location since the mid-13th century. Unfortunately, little remains of the original building other than an entrance gate in the north wall. A fallen candle caused a major fire in the 16th century, while a group of fugitive weavers took shelter there. The present church was erected in the early 17th century. Do not be fooled by its simple exterior, as the interior will surprise you with some baroque elements from the 18th century. Above the entrance door, you are welcomed by Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia, the patron saint of the Bruges Beguinage. Inside the church, you can admire various art treasures, including the Our Lady of Spermalie, the oldest wooden statue in Bruges (13th century).

Good to know: the beguinage is an authentic and lively place (of silence), which has been centred on a serene lifestyle for centuries. Silence, as an intangible value, contributes to the exceptional universal values that led UNESCO to recognise this unique site as World Heritage. City of Bruges looks after the beguinage and expects every visitor to respect the values of this site. So visit the Beguinage in silence and cherish and appreciate this place as the locals do.