Bijloke Site Ghent

The Bijloke is one of the most layered historic sites in Ghent. The former thirteenth-century Cistercian abbey later became a hospital, a school complex and finally a cultural hub. Today the site comprises the STAM city museum, the De Bijloke Music Centre, HOGENT University College, several restaurants and extensive courtyards that are freely accessible. It is one of the rare places in Ghent where you can see six centuries of architectural history side by side, from Gothic to contemporary interventions.

Accessibility is good in most public areas. The interior paths between the buildings are paved with clinker or natural stone, partly level and partly with a slight slope. The STAM museum and the music centre have step-free entrances and internal lifts. The courtyards, including the herb garden of the former pharmacy, are freely accessible and largely passable for a wheelchair. An accessible toilet is provided in both the STAM and the hospitality venues on the site. An accessible car park is provided at the eastern entrance.

The Bijloke is five minutes from the Sint-Pietersplein car park, with a step-free pedestrian route. The Sint-Pieters Korte Meer tram stop is just a few minutes' walk away. The site is pleasant for half a day or a full day, with culture and calm in an exceptional historic setting.