Starting in 13th-century Western Europe, women who wanted to dedicate their entire lives to God without completely withdrawing from the world founded the béguinages, which were communities created to meet their physical and spiritual needs. They themselves were called the Béguines. The Flemish béguinages are fascinating architectural complexes that consist of churches, houses, ancillary buildings, gardens, and green spaces. There are 13 Flemish béguinages, enclosed by tall walls or surrounded by protective ditches, but with gates that are open to the outside world during the day. One of the most famous is Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde in Bruges, which has fascinating architecture, famous gardens, and small museum that tells the story of this interesting movement.