Brief history
The name “Poortakker” appears for the first time in 1278 as a reference to the “St. Obrechtsbegijnhof”: a field near the tower gate that gave access to the city center of Ghent. That year, Countess Margaret of Constantinople asked the city magistrate to provide a common residence in Poortakker for the beguines, who lived spread over the city. The beguinage then functioned as an infirmary for the old and sick beguines. Only in the 19th century, a new chapel and monastery wings were built in neo-Gothic style, with elegant pointed arches, colorful stained glass windows and a warm ambience.
Possibilities
The monastery, which is hidden behind a simple façade of the “Oude Houtlei” in the middle of Ghent, is currently used as a venue for seminars, parties and corporate events. In the center, you can find the impressive area of the church of St. Autbertus, where the daylight enters through colorful stained-glass windows: ideal for medieval banquets with additional attractions and activities. There is also room for smaller companies in the chapter halls or the house chapel. Last but not least there is the southern garden, where a medieval market with authentic crafts can be created or a spectacular falconry show can take place.
People who want to enjoy the rustic ambience of the monastery a little bit longer, may choose to spend the night in the former nunnery, which has 47 three-star hotel rooms with all modern facilities included. An additional advantage is that despite of its location in the downtown area, the monastery features a private parking for 50 vehicles.
Capacity
The restored church of St. Autbertus offers with its 300m2 ample seating for a party of 180 people. Numerous smaller rooms are also available for smaller groups or make it possible to set up different kinds of activities. At last, the courtyard enriched with green grass possesses enough capacity for some nice, additional outdoor recreation.
