Beguinage or Begijnhof or Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde is the last surviving establishment of this kind in the city. The Beguinage once housed Beguines, members of the lay Christian order active in the 13^th to 16^th centuries in northern Europe. The members of these communities lived as nuns but without having taken vows so they were free to leave at any time. This Beguinage was founded in c.1244 by Margaret of Constantinople. The complex of buildings includes a Gothic-style church and a row of whitewashed houses from the 16^th-18^th century. The buildings enclose a central courtyard and are surrounded by trees and lawns. Visitors enter the complex via the quaint stone Wijngaard Bridge and through the main gate created by Hendrik Bultynck in 1776. By crossing the Sas Bridge you have access to the Sas House through a second gate.

Since 1927 the Beguinage has been a Benedictine convent and the peaceful atmosphere is still preserved; visitors are even urged to keep their voices down. In addition to the community of Benedictine nuns one of the houses has been turned into a museum. Here you can see paintings from the 17^th-18^th centuries, lacework and other arts. Visitors can also enjoy the tranquil gardens. A visit to the religious complex offers a glimpse into the life of the Beguines.