About us

Discover this oasis of peace in the heart of the city, where centuries of history come together. Today, the monastery is still a place of silence and reflection, in the heart of the city of Ghent.

Want to know more about Het Rustpunt?

‘Het Rustpunt’ is located in a 17th-century Carmelite monastery in the heart of Ghent. All our rooms have been fully renovated and are equipped with every comfort. On the grounds, you will also find the guesthouses ‘De Kluis’, ‘Thérèse’ and ‘Het Achterhuis’.

Het Rustpunt also has various function rooms / venues, suitable for seminars, meetings, workshops, parties or gatherings.

We also organise a wide range of activities and retreats.

History of the monastery

The Carmelites have a long history in Ghent. The Discalced Carmelites settled in the city as early as 1272. 
But in the 17th century, the stricter Discalced Carmelites wanted to establish their own community. After moving several times, they ended up next to the Prinsenhof in 1653, where they purchased the buildings of the so-called “Lion’s Yard”. This building was reminiscent of a small zoo that had existed here as early as the 14th century, where Emperor Charles V had his exotic lions housed. At its peak, it housed as many as nine lions! 

The friars set up their first monastery and chapel in the existing buildings. Most of it burned down in 1688 when it served as an orphanage.

Between 1664 and 1687, a new monastery was built, and in 1703, construction began on the current Baroque church, which was consecrated in 1714. Both the design of the church and the wood carvings are made by the monks.

In the 18th century, the community flourished, with as many as 50 priests and a wool weaving mill, but under French rule, the monastery was dissolved in 1796. Fortunately, the priests were able to return in 1801 and, despite difficult times, the community grew again after 1830. In 1843-1844, the Discalced temporarily made their monastery available to the Theresian Sisters because a fire had destroyed their monastery.

Bookstore Carmelitana

Also visit the Carmelitana bookstore. You will find a wide range of books for young and old in depth and a large collection of CDs and DVDs. There is also an exclusive selection of greeting cards, including those from the Wall Paper Publishers and art articles. Spirituality in word, image and sound!