4.3 km | 4.6 km-effort
The 'Prinselijk Begijnhof Ten Wijngaarde' (Prince's Begin Convent Ten Wyngaerde), most commonly known under the easy name of 'Begijnhof', is like a true oasis of peace and serenity in the middle of the town.
The 'Prinselijk Begijnhof Ten Wijngaerde' is the only Beguin Convent still existing in Bruges.
Even before 1240 there was a community of devout women in 'De Wi(j)ngaard' estate. The name probably comes from the low-lying grasslands that used to exist around the place in the past. The Beguin Convent was created by Margaret II of Constantinople. The compound also shelters a gothic church, as well as around thirty white-coloured and low-roofed little houses dating back to the late 16th 17th and 18th century. All of them were built around a central garden. The main entrance to 'Begijnhof' can be reached by crossing the three-arched stone bridge across the canal, named the 'Wijngaardbrug'.
There are no Beguin sisters still living here nowadays. They were replaced since 1927 by a Benedictine cloister community. 'Begijnhof' is without any doubt one of the most picturesque spots in the whole of Bruges, and is appreciated for its unrivalled charm and peace.
Most of the convent compound, secretly hidden behind a tall wall, remains out of bound. Only the central garden can be discovered (sssst! Keep silent...). The first little house after you entered into the garden acts as a museum, where you can see furniture dating back to the 17th and 18th century, as well as lace works. It is open from Monday to Saturday between 10.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., and on Sunday between 2.30 and 5.00 p.m. You can stroll in the garden every day from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
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