What came before
The Abby site in Begijnhofpark is a unique place, steeped in history, stories, and mysteries.
As early as the beginning of our era, a Roman settlement stood where Abby is now located. The abbey that houses Abby dates back to the 16th century. The original Cistercian abbey on the Groeninge plain in Kortrijk was abandoned due to the Iconoclasm. In 1593, construction began on a new abbey within the city walls. In 1797, under French rule, the nuns were expelled. Between 1797 and 1845, parts of the abbey were demolished to make way for the convent of Arme Klaren. The Poor Clares lived there until 1978, dedicating themselves, among other things, to baking communion wafers. In the 1980s and 1990s, restoration work took place, and from 1993, the site was gradually transformed into a museum.
The historical Groeninge Abbey was traditionally a place of spiritual care and healing. The Cistercian nuns settled there in the late 16th century. The "miraculous image" of Our Lady of Groeninge attracted many pilgrims and worshippers, with stories of miraculous healings and exorcisms spreading far and wide. The historic abbey garden contained medicinal plants and herbs used to treat ailments. In the 19th century, the Poor Clares found refuge here, and many people would offer eggs in exchange for good weather. Today, this heritage site is home to Abby, a fitting continuation, as art and heritage nourish the soul and contribute to mental well-being.
© Dieter Van Caneghem