PLACES OF INTEREST 2

ON THIS PAGE YOU WILL FIND PLACES OF INTEREST A LITTLE FURTHER FROM THE CITY CENTRE AND SOME OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

 ALIJN HOUSE

Kraanlei 65

www.huisvanalijn.be

This museum is housed in a 14th century children's hospice hidden away in the Patershol area. The museum covers 4 topics, the cycle of life, leisure, trade and crafts and religion and also stages temporary exhibitions. Directions from Groentenmarkt. Proceed over river and turn right along Kraanlei. museum on left about halfway along at No 65. Enter through an archway into spacious courtyard. There is also a cafe/bar and puppet theatre. Open Tue to Sun 11.00 to 17.00 Fee payable.  

THE BEGIJNHOFS

There are several Begijnhofs in Ghent one of the best being the Klein Begijnhof founded in 1234. The word Begijnhof (Flemish), Beguinage (French, English) has no direct equivalent in Britain but is a little like convent, a residence for widowed or unmarried women who have not taken holy orders but live together in a commune. The houses are not usually open to the public. You may walk around the area but please keep quiet. The easiest way to find to find the Klein Begijnhof, 71 Lange Violettestraat is to board trams 21 or 22 and go to Zuid, some trams have recorded announcements telling you which stop you are at but if they do not its just past the red light district by the library and a large indoor shopping area. From Zuid proceed along Zuidstation then right into Lange Violettestraat and its on the left. Also of interest is The Large Begijnhof this is a little off the beaten track at St Amandsberg to the east if the city. Directions from Dampoort station. Proceed along Land Van Waaslaam, turn right into Engelbert Van Arenburgstraat, the Begijnhof is on the left opposite children's play area. Museum open Wed, Thur, Sat, Sun 09.00 to 13.00 and 14.00 to 17.00 fee payable. It is advisable to check opening times.

CITADEL PARK

This is a large park near St Pieters station. Proceed along Kon Astridlaan to the end, the park is in front of you. There are two museums here, the museum of fine art containing  works of art from the 14th to the mid 20th century (www.mskgent.be) and the museum of contemporary art  (S.M.A.K) containing works from 1945 onwards. (www.smak.be) both closed Mondays. Fee payable.

BIJLOKEMUSEUM

Godshuizenlaan 2

An old Cistercian convent dating from the 14th to 17th century containing collections of weapons, glass, clothes and pottery including Meissen also large wall tapestries some dating from 1556-1557. The museum also contains old prints of the Belfort some dated from 1300-1320 and many other artefact's. Directions from St Pieters station. Go as for city centre until large crossroads is reached, turn left along dual carriageway, over river Leie and its on the right. Limited opening (I think please check). Thur 10.00 to 13.00 and 14.00 to 18.00. Sun 14.00 to 18.00. Fee payable.