Huis Van Alijn, Ghent, Belgium

The "House of Alijn" is a group of 14th-century almshouses surrounding a courtyard garden, that house the Folklore Museum, with objects depicting the evolution of everyday life during the 20th century. These houses were made as penitence over the murder of 2 children. In medieval times the Alijn and Rym families were rivals and one day two members of the Rym family murdered to Alijn children in Saint Bavo's Cathedral and fled the city. They eventually returned and were pardoned under the condition they would build houses for poor, old women on land donated by the Alijn family.
In 1534 a chapel in the late Gothic style started being built. By the 19th century, the houses had lost its initial function and had become dwellings for poor textile workers. In 1941 the very decayed houses were bought by the City of Ghent and were renovated to become the Folklore Museum.

Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sat., Sun. and Holidays.
Entrance fee: €6

 Back to Ghent











Local: Kraanlei 65, 9000 Gent, Bélgica

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