Beguines in the Ruhr Metropolis
Open day
New street names for Dortmund's Reinoldinum in 2005. Photo: Hanne Hieber
Look closely, and it's possible to follow in the footsteps of the region's Beguines. But who exactly are the Beguines? What is special about their lifestyles in sisterhood communities? What is their culture, where does it come from and what are the reasons for its rediscovery?
An open day in the Ruhr's Beguinages provides answers to these questions. It offers an insight into the development of these remarkable residential projects and the historical origins of the sisterhoods, which came into being over 900 years ago.
The starting point for the discovery tour is the Reinoldinum, a historical Beguine centre in Dortmund. Tour participants can learn about Beguine culture of the past and present, its origins, development and expansion in Germany and Europe until its end, and its rediscovery following the women's movements of the late 1960s.
Centuries-old traditions will be explored and discussed in the context of the present day. Finally, the tour visits the very locations where Beguines live, providing a glimpse behind the façades. Buses will leave from the Reinoldinum in Dortmund to visit a Beguinage in Unna, Schwerte, Dortmund or Essen.
May 8, 2010
Open day
Reinoldinum, Schwanenwall 34, Dortmund
10:00 - 14:00.
Buses to the Beguinages depart at 14:30
Registration requested