Begijnhofpark

Begijnhofpark is a small but atmospheric park right in the historic center of Kortrijk, stretching between Houtmarkt and Groeningestraat. Covering roughly one hectare, it is one of those places in the city where centuries of history remain physically present — in the enclosing wall, the old gates, and a small chapel tucked inside.

Where does the park come from historically?

The land now occupied by the park once belonged to the gardens of Groeninge Abbey and the neighboring Sint-Vincentius hospital and nursing home. The last residents of the abbey were Poor Clares. The park's name recalls the historical presence of beguines (begijnen) in this part of the city — women who lived in religious communities without taking full monastic vows. This convent-garden origin explains the park's distinctive layout: it is still completely enclosed by a wall, with three brick gates marking what used to be separate garden plots.

What can visitors see inside the park today?

Despite its modern role as a public green space, Begijnhofpark has kept many traces of its past. Besides the surrounding wall and its three gates, the grounds include a small chapel and several mature, valuable trees that give the place its quiet, intimate character. It reads as a cloister-style garden — enclosed and calm, a clear contrast to the bustle of the city center just steps away.

How has the park changed in recent years?

The city of Kortrijk carried out a thorough restoration of the park in 2005, updating the greenery and pedestrian paths. A far bigger transformation followed later: once the Sint-Vincentius nursing home relocated, demolition of the vacated building began in March 2023. This allowed the park to expand by around 30 percent and opened up a view toward the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk), one of Kortrijk's most important religious landmarks.

What are the plans for the park's future?

The earliest ideas for redeveloping the site date back to 1998, when the Flemish Master Builder (Vlaams Bouwmeester) launched an open call for proposals. After years of preparation and phased changes, the city commissioned the design office Deroose Landschapsarchitecten to complete the final design. The goal is a green heritage site in the heart of Kortrijk — a place combining historical value with the function of a peaceful urban retreat for residents and visitors alike.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Begijnhofpark located? The park sits in the historic center of Kortrijk, between Houtmarkt and Groeningestraat.

Is the park enclosed? Yes, the entire area is surrounded by a wall with three brick gates, a remnant of the former division of the convent gardens.

Where does the park's name come from? The name refers to the historical presence of beguines and the site's connection to the former Groeninge Abbey and its Poor Clares convent.

Has the park grown in size? Yes, after the demolition of the neighboring Sint-Vincentius nursing home in 2023, the park's area increased by about 30 percent.