Beguinage

On the edge of the historic city centre is the Beguinage, one of the 13 Flemish beguinages that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. As in other cities, the beguinage was built on cheap, marginal land outside the center, in this case the low, marshy terrain on the Begijnenbeek. The Beguinage of Diest was founded in 1253 by Arnold IV, Lord of Diest, and dissolved in 1796 during French rule.

Anyone who walks under the Rubensian entrance gate from 1671 immediately feels the atmosphere of serenity, harmony and the private character of medieval beguine life. Most of the 90 houses and convents date from the 17th and 18th centuries. In some houses, artists have set up their studios. The former infirmary and the Apostles' Convent, together with CC Den Amer, now form the cultural centre of Diest.

The St. Catherine's Church is one of the typical beguinage churches from the 13th and 14th centuries. It was built with rather limited resources and with a small celebration tower. The church is dedicated to Saint Catherine, whose help was called upon for fire and skin ailments.
The St. Catherine's Church is closed from 2013 for restoration. (source: Diest, my city)

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