Revolution and resilience

In 1571, the beguines moved from an older beguinage outside of the city walls to where Z33 is located today. They built houses and a church there. Today, nothing remains of these structures, except for these headstones. As their community was expanding at a rapid pace, the beguines built the beguinage you see today in the 18th century.

But that was by no means the last transformation this place witnessed. In 1798, the beguines were driven out by French revolutionaries. They were able to return around 1802, but the number of beguines had fallen. The beguinage took on new roles as an orphanage and school for boys. After the ravages of World War II, the Province of Limburg turned it into a place for heritage and art. Today, Hasselt University also uses the building for teaching and research.