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The church of the beguines, officially named the Saint Alexius and Saint Catherine church, shows a lot of feminine charm.

The community of beguines in Malines was formed in the 13th century. In the course of the 16th century the community sought refuge within the city walls and settled on the current terrain. The church has a splendid facade, in Italian baroque style. For the building and decoration, the rich community could call on famous architects, scuptors and painters. The plans were drafted by the Jesuit Pieter Huyssens, executed by Jacques Francart from Brussels and architect at the court of archduke and duchess Albrecht and Isabella. The young Lucas Faydherbe helped with the decoration of the inside.

The richly decorated baroque decor is testimony to the prestige of the beguinage. It contains quite a few 17th century paintings from well-known Flemish painters such as Jan Cossiers, Theodor Boeyermans and Gaspar de Crayer.

The Saint Alexius and Saint Catherine church is one of 7 historic churches in Malines, promoted by Torens aan de Dijle in cooperation with the city of Malines.

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