Saint John the Baptist’s Church, Leuven

Nestled within the UNESCO-listed Great Beguinage of Leuven, Saint John the Baptist’s Church is a remarkable example of early Gothic architecture with traces of Romanesque and Baroque influences. Erected between 1305 and 1440, it is the oldest building in the beguinage, a historic community of religious women who lived devout lives without taking monastic vows. Beguinages emerged in the 12th century, offering women a space for spiritual devotion alongside education, healthcare, and social service.

This primitive Gothic church, designed as a basilica, lacks both a tower and transept, emphasizing the austerity typical of beguinage churches. Its prominent features include a striking stained glass window at the chevet, 16th-century altars, confessionals, and a 1692 organ crafted by Pieter Goltfuss. Above the altar hangs a "Golgotha" painting by Pieter Josef Verhaeghen.

Restoration work between 1978 and 1985 revealed medieval treasures, including 15th-century murals depicting the parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins. These tempera paintings, found during the renovations, vividly portray virtues and vices in a moralizing narrative for the literate beguines. Additionally, 90 beguine tombstones were uncovered, further connecting the church to its historical roots.

The church’s interior, though sparsely decorated today, reflects the renewal of liturgical practices inspired by the Second Vatican Council. Despite its simplicity, it remains a testament to the spiritual and cultural significance of the beguines. A new carillon added in 2009 continues the tradition of ecclesiastical music within this serene, historic setting.