Antwerp dig uncovers remains of 14th-century convent
Archaeologists have discovered the former home of the Falcontinnen nuns, which was demolished in the early 19th century and replaced with military barracks
30 graves on site
The convent was the home of the Falcontinnen nuns, members of a convent founded on what is now the Falconplein by Falco de Lampagne, the 13th-century director of the Antwerp Mint. He died leaving the order in debt, but it was later able to buy a property thanks to a large bequest from a supporter. The property, the Falconhof, has now been uncovered.
The convent was demolished in 1810 after the number of nuns dwindled at the end of the 18th century. The site was later taken over by military barracks.
Previous works uncovered the presbytery and the foundations of some buildings to the north of the original site. The current dig has unearthed the remains of the convent chapel, parts of the cloister and other buildings including the kitchens.
The works have also uncovered about 30 graves, some with gravestones, including one for Clara Buys, who died in November 1578. She was the sister of Anna Buys, the Mother Superior of the convent at the time.
The site is not open to the public. Once the archaeologists have completed their research, some of the foundations will be covered over again, while the rest will be demolished.
Photo: Lucid Lucid/Stad Antwerpen
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