petit béguinage de ghent
The Small Beguinage, Our Lady ter Hoyen, indeed stands as a remarkable historical site. Dating back to 1235, it was established by the Countess of Flanders and is recognized by UNESCO as part of the world heritage. This serene complex, with its church, approximately a hundred homes, and a meadow that was once a churchyard, offers a tranquil retreat from the vibrant city of Ghent. It's a living piece of history where the architecture and spirit of the beguines—a movement of independent lay women—continue to resonate through the narrow streets and quiet courtyards.