Beghina Beguinage Museum

A quaint brick building with arched gate and blooming flowers in front, under a clear blue sky. A bench and informational signs are nearby, suggesting a historical or scenic location.

Begijnhofmuseum Beghina - Medialife

Onder de Linde 12, Tongeren-Borgloon

The Beghina Beguinage Museum is located on the idyllic square ‘Onder de Linde’ (Under the Lime Tree). Take your time to make your way to this Unesco World Heritage Site and discover the ancient Shrine of Saint Catherine.

A detailed wooden sculpture depicting two women in flowing robes, one holding a child. The intricate carving conveys a sense of reverence and warmth.

Beghina Beguinage Museum

The Saint Catherine Beguinage is one of thirteen Flemish beguinages that are protected as Unesco World Heritage Sites. The Beghina Beguinage Museum is housed in a beguinage dwelling dating back to 1660 located on the idyllic ‘Onder de Linde’ square. Here you will have the opportunity to learn all about the world of the beguines.

Shrine of Saint Catherine

The Shrine of Saint Catherine consists of seven oak panels with a gabled roof. Some of the polychrome has disappeared, as is the case with most relics. A saint is painted in each of the arches. Female saints are depicted on one side: Ursula with two virgins, Juliana with book and monstrance, Barbara with palm branch and tower, Agnes with palm branch and lamb, Catherine with wheel and sword, Dorothea with a flower basket, Gertrudis as abbess with book and rodents and Lucia with a sword piercing her throat. On the reverse Peter is shown with book and key, as are Mary, Jesus on the cross, John the Evangelist, Servatius with key and dragon, Erasmus with windlass, Nicholas with a little boy in a barrel and Maternus as a bishop holding a church model. The presence of these saints on the shrine indicates that it was made specifically for the beguinage in Tongeren.