Convent of Chièvres, Great Beguinage

The Convent of Chièvres was established by testament by Maria van Hamal, widow of Guillaume de Croy, lord of Chièvres. It was eventually founded in 1561 by Maria's executor. The Convent of Chièvres is not the only religious foundation of Maria van Hamal. She was allowed by the Leuven city council to establish a monastery for thirty-six religious women. Initially, it was to become a Carthusian convent, but from 1524, Maria advocated for the establishment of an Annunciaten convent. In doing so, she followed the example of Governor Margaret of Austria. For her construction plans, Maria purchased the Leuven residence of the prince of Chimay, a blood relative of her deceased second husband, near the current Botanical Garden. She also made a significant financial contribution to the expansion and beautification of the Leuven Charterhouse. Why did she do this? According to her religious beliefs, it was the best investment for her future in the afterlife.

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