Coyendanspark

Coyendanspark is a small but historically rich park in Ghent, tucked right next to the former St. Bavo's Abbey (St.-Baafsabdij), between Voorhoutkaai, Slachthuisstraat, Adalwinstraat and Gandastraat. Here, greenery is woven together with centuries of city history, turning a simple walk through the park into a short lesson on Ghent's past.

Where does the name come from?

The park's name recalls an old festival called Koeiendans, or "cow's dance", a tradition dating back to the 15th century in the Macharius district. The custom eventually faded but was revived around the turn of the century under the name Coyendans, and since then a popular festival has been held every year in early September on the adjacent meadow. The city council of Ghent officially established the name "Coyendanspark" on 23 September 2013.

What recalls St. Bavo's Abbey?

The park sits directly beside the site of the former abbey, whose imposing Romanesque abbey church was largely demolished in 1540 on the orders of Emperor Charles V, along with parts of the Sint-Baafsdorp settlement and the parish church. Inside the park, a beech hedge has been shaped into the outline of the former abbey church, letting visitors literally walk along the footprint of a building that has not stood for nearly five centuries. It's a quiet but very effective way of keeping the site's history visible.

How was the park designed?

Coyendanspark has a gentle slope that drains rainwater toward a marsh zone, allowing it to soak naturally into the ground — a design that combines recreational space with sensible urban water management. Shrubs and trees are arranged to trace the outline of the former church, giving the park's layout both an aesthetic and an educational dimension.

Is there more to the park than history?

Yes — the area also hosts local artistic initiatives, including street art that appears on walls around the park, adding a contemporary layer to this historic corner of Ghent.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Coyendanspark located? The park is in Ghent, near Voorhoutkaai, Slachthuisstraat, Adalwinstraat and Gandastraat, right next to the former St. Bavo's Abbey.

Where does the park's name come from? From the old Koeiendans ("cow's dance") festival, celebrated in the Macharius district since the 15th century and revived under the name Coyendans.

What does the hedge in the park represent? A beech hedge shaped to reproduce the outline of the former Romanesque church of St. Bavo's Abbey, demolished in 1540.

When was the park officially named? On 23 September 2013, by decision of Ghent's city council.

Are there events held in the park? Yes, a popular festival tied to the Koeiendans tradition takes place every year in early September on the adjacent meadow.