Small Beguinage Our-Lady Ter Hoyen
A serene historical Beguinage offering a peaceful escape with charming houses and tranquil gardens, perfect for quiet reflection.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Small Beguinage Our-Lady Ter Hoyen
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene historical Beguinage offering a peaceful escape with charming houses and tranquil gardens, perfect for quiet reflection.
"A pleasant spot for a stroll, but not an unmissable sight if time is tight."
🚶♀️ Peaceful Strolls
Perfect for a quiet walk or picnic. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and historic charm of this unique site.
⛪ Church Access Limited
The church is rarely open, so manage expectations. Focus on the beauty of the grounds and houses.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Peaceful Beguinage Houses
Throughout the grounds
Explore the humble, historic houses where beguines once lived, offering a glimpse into a unique religious lifestyle.

Tranquil Green Spaces
Central park area
Discover hidden gardens and a small green park, ideal for a relaxing picnic or quiet contemplation.

Historic Church
Center of the Beguinage
Admire the architecture of the church, though access is often limited. It's a focal point of the serene Beguinage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Timing is Key for Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting in December
🚶♀️ Peaceful Strolls
Perfect for a quiet walk or picnic. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and historic charm of this unique site.
⛪ Church Access Limited
The church is rarely open, so manage expectations. Focus on the beauty of the grounds and houses.
🌳 Hidden Garden Retreats
Seek out the small, hidden gardens for a peaceful moment of reflection.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths
A popular spot for dog walkers, so expect to see many furry friends enjoying the space.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Peaceful Strolls
Perfect for a quiet walk or picnic. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and historic charm of this unique site.
⛪ Church Access Limited
The church is rarely open, so manage expectations. Focus on the beauty of the grounds and houses.
🌳 Hidden Garden Retreats
Seek out the small, hidden gardens for a peaceful moment of reflection.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths
A popular spot for dog walkers, so expect to see many furry friends enjoying the space.
ℹ️ QR Code Information
Scan the QR codes on benches for historical insights about the Beguinage.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Small Beguinage Our-Lady Ter Hoyen to be a pleasant and peaceful spot for a stroll, appreciating its quiet atmosphere and historic houses. While not a major attraction, it offers a serene escape and a glimpse into the past. The church's infrequent opening and the general lack of specific activities mean it's best enjoyed for its ambiance rather than extensive exploration.
"A pleasant spot for a stroll, but not an unmissable sight if time is tight. The church is being renovated at the moment.
Scanning a QR code on the 3 benches on the path across the grass gives more info."
michael conway
"I like the atmosphere of the beginhof. It is so peaceful and so quiet there. Small humble houses full of history, separated from all the other world, small green park and nice church. Sometimes they have exhibitions in beginhof, then it is possible to visit chapek, church and many houses of beginhof. Love this place."
Dasha P.
"It's a beautiful space, and is a lovely, quiet place to walk. The church is a stunning sight, but is rarely open, so best not to expect a tour. Dog walkers abound. A great, relaxing place to visit when in Ghent!"
Max deLaubenfels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Small Beguinage Our-Lady Ter Hoyen is located in Ghent, Belgium. It's accessible by public transport within the city. From Ghent-Sint-Pieters station, you can take a tram or bus towards the city center and then walk a short distance. It's also a pleasant walk from other central Ghent attractions.
Parking in Ghent can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk. If you must drive, look for paid parking garages in the city center, which are a short walk away.
Yes, the Small Beguinage Our-Lady Ter Hoyen is quite centrally located and can be easily reached on foot from many popular Ghent sights like Gravensteen Castle or the Graslei and Korenlei.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the grounds of the Small Beguinage Our-Lady Ter Hoyen is generally free. You can wander through the peaceful courtyards and gardens without a ticket.
The Beguinage grounds are typically accessible during daylight hours. However, the church within the Beguinage is often closed, so it's best not to plan your visit around its opening times.
Access to the church is infrequent. While it's a beautiful sight from the outside, it's rarely open for tours. Check for any special exhibition dates which might allow access.
Occasionally, exhibitions are held within the Beguinage, which may grant access to the church and some of the houses. Keep an eye out for local event listings if you're interested.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main activity is enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, taking a leisurely stroll through the grounds, and admiring the historic architecture of the beguine houses. It's a great spot for quiet reflection or a picnic.
Yes, the Beguinage offers charming photographic opportunities with its historic houses, quiet courtyards, and green spaces. The light can be particularly lovely in the mornings or late afternoons.
Absolutely! The Beguinage has lovely green areas and small hidden gardens that are perfect for a relaxing picnic.
While it's a pleasant spot, if your time in Ghent is very limited, it might not be an unmissable sight. However, if you appreciate quiet historical sites, it's worth a brief visit.
Public restroom facilities are not typically advertised within the Beguinage itself. It's advisable to use facilities at nearby cafes or attractions before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the charming facades of the beguine houses, the tranquil courtyards, and the central church. The small gardens also offer picturesque scenes.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating a softer, more atmospheric feel. Weekdays will also be less crowded for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage is generally restricted in residential and historical areas to respect privacy and preserve the atmosphere. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the church is often closed, so the focus will be on the grounds. It's a place for quiet enjoyment rather than active entertainment, so it might be best suited for families with younger children who appreciate a more relaxed pace or for a brief, peaceful interlude during a day of more active sightseeing.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
It's a place to escape the crowds and soak in a different side of Ghent's history. The QR codes on the benches provide interesting historical context without requiring a guided tour, allowing for an independent and enriching experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Beguines
These communities, often featuring humble houses clustered around a church and gardens, provided a safe and spiritual haven for women. The Small Beguinage Our-Lady Ter Hoyen in Ghent preserves this legacy, offering a tangible connection to a significant aspect of medieval and early modern European social and religious history. Today, it often serves as a peaceful residential area, continuing its tradition of quiet contemplation.
Experiencing the Atmosphere
Many reviewers highlight the tranquility as its main draw, noting it as a great place to unwind, read a book, or simply enjoy the quiet. Even though the church itself may not always be open, the overall feeling of peace and historical significance makes it a worthwhile visit for those seeking a moment of calm in Ghent.
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