The small Belgian town of Geel is known for its unusual psychiatric facility, the OPZ. Rather than being confined to a traditional hospital ward, OPZ patients are cared for in the homes of Geel residents. At present, 300 mentally disabled board with foster families, while in the 19th century, their numbers reached 3000. The hospital proper hosts administrative functions and workshops for the patients

The story of this peculiar institution can be traced to 6th century Ireland with the death of a beautiful queen. Stricken with grief and reputedly driven mad by his loss, the king resolved to find a new spouse who resembled his deceased queen. After a long futile search, he set his sights on his daughter Dimpna, who indeed bore a stricking resemblance to the queen. Horrified by the prospect of marrying her father, Dimpna fled overseas to the continent, with her father in pursuit. It was in Geel that the king finally caught up with her, and ordered her decapitation. Following her death, Dimpna was named the patron saint of the mentally ill in recognition of her care for the insane during her short life. The inhabitants of Geel erected a shrine in honor of the princess, and this monument became a haven for the mentally ill, to whom the citizens of Geel henceforth dedicated themselves...and the tradition has endured to this day.