Beguinage Aarschot

The Beguinage of Aarschot is a tranquil piece of heritage in the heart of this town on the river Demer. The typical white houses, the small chapel and the central inner garden together form an ensemble reminiscent of the better-known beguinages of Lier or Diest, but on a smaller scale and with its own intimate atmosphere. The beguinage was founded in the sixteenth century and housed beguines until well into the twentieth century. Today, artists and private residents live there, and the beguinage is open as a place to walk, with respect for its inhabitants.

Accessibility is partial and is mainly limited by the historic surface. The entrance gate is step-free, but immediately beyond it the cobblestones begin and cover the entire inner space. The joints are relatively wide, which makes wheeling uncomfortable for narrow-wheeled wheelchairs; a rollator or a wheelchair with larger wheels works better. The chapel is only accessible via a high threshold. There are no accessible toilets within the beguinage itself, but they are available on the Grote Markt a few minutes' wheeling away.

Parking is possible on the Grote Markt or at the car park behind the town hall, with a few accessible spaces. From there the beguinage is reachable along the smoother pavements. Anyone wishing to extend the visit can head to the Town Museum or the Church of Our Lady of Aarschot, both within walking distance.