Small beguinage Our Lady ter Hoyen

Lucas II Horenbout (ca. 1560-1626)

The Fountain of Life
De Fontein des Levens
Dominique Provost - Art in Flanders

Klein Begijnhof, Gent

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Beguinages are not only UNESCO World Heritage Sites, they also often preserve stunning artwork created by Flemish Masters. Discover Lucas II Horenbout in the Small beguinage Our Lady ter Hoyen and briefly escape from the hustle and bustle in Ghent.

The image shows an intricate religious triptych depicting biblical scenes. The central panel features Christ surrounded by worshippers. The side panels show more figures in worship, all richly detailed, conveying devotion and reverence.
Dominique Provost - Art in Flanders

Small beguinage Our Lady ter Hoyen

The Small beguinage Our Lady ter Hoyen, is the best preserved example of its kind predating the French Revolution. It was founded in 1235 by the Countess of Flanders, after the Oud Begijnhof Sint-Elisabeth (Old Beguinage of Saint Elizabeth). Unsuspecting but curious passersby will come upon a Baroque church, a hundred or so houses and a meadow (the former cemetery) behind the long façade on the street side. Briefly escape the hustle and bustle of Ghent and take a breather here.

The Fountain of Life

This polyptych by Luke II Horenbout dating back to 1596 shows Christ’s blood flowing from his five crucifixion wounds, first into the Fountain of Life and via cherub heads into the Fountain of Mercy, where it flows out again. Martyrs add their blood to the fountain while others scoop blood from the fountain. On earth, believers offer their heart for a few drops of blood, the pope foremost among them.

Religious tapestry depicting two central figures on a throne, surrounded by angels and a dove. The scene conveys a sense of divinity and reverence.
Dominique Provost - Art in Flanders
A historic European church sits on a lush green lawn, surrounded by trees. The sky is partly cloudy, adding a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Davidh820 (CC Wikimedia)
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Presentatiekerk (Begijnhof) in Gent (interieur)
Paul Hermans (CC Wikimedia)

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Address

Klein Begijnhof
Lange Violettestraat
9000 Gent
Belgium
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Opening hours

  • From 1 April to 1 November:

    • Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 2 pm to 5 pm.
      Friday, Saturday, Sundays and public holidays from 2 pm to 5 pm.

    • Closed on Wednesdays.

  • From 2 November to 31 March:

    • Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 2 pm to 5 pm.
      Saturday from 2 pm to 4 pm.

    • Closed on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Accessibility

  • Is partially accessible.

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Good to know

  • Admission: free

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Tourist information

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A classical painting depicts several people in period clothing, engaging in intense discussion. Overlaid are large pink puzzle pieces, partially obscuring the scene.

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A detailed altarpiece with rich colors depicting religious figures. The central panel shows a seated, robed figure with a halo, surrounded by saints on each side. Below, a verdant landscape features a diverse gathering of people, conveying a serene and reverent atmosphere.
Dominique Provost - Art in Flanders

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Art in Flanders

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Ornate church interior with a grand altar featuring a crucifix and statues, surrounded by intricate Gothic arches and colorful stained glass windows.
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