About 300 beguines lived in this beguinage in the 17th century. They were women who lived a religious life but kept their own property and supported themselves.
In 1962, the beguinage (except for the church) was sold to the University, under the condition that it was to be completely restored.
Now, it is a university residential quarter for students, professors and employees of the university.
In marsh 2000, it was officially recognised as an UNESCO world heritage site.