The beguinages are the homes of beguinages which were actually small communities of women that emerged as early as the 13th Century in countries like Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. These ladies, known as Beguines, led a sacred life in a quiet seclusion, without taking religious vows. Belgium has the remnants of the beguinages in 20 cities, of which 13 have been inscribed on UNESCO’S World Heritage List and the Anderlecht Beguinage in Brussels is one of them. The Anderlecht Beguinage is composed of four simple houses which are arranged around a central garden close to the church. It … Continue reading →

The city of Brussels abounds in greenery with a host of parks and gardens, each one unique in its own history, organization, sculptures, architecture, trees, and so on. Some of the famous parks and gardens in Brussels are: The Colonial Garden: Standing next to the royal park of Laeken, this garden was created in 1905 by king Leopold II so that he could bring his collections of exotic plants from Belgian Congo there. At the entrance of the garden, Léopold II built a ‘cottage’ in Norman style according to the plans of the architect Haneau. The garden happens to be … Continue reading →