This 'Begijnhof', or 'garden of the Begijns', was founded in the 13th century outside the town wall of the time. The oldest houses date from the 16th century when the original houses were replaced by brick structures. The 72 houses are generally named after a saint or a Biblical event. The 'Begijntjes' were very Catholic wives. The 'Groot Begijnhof' is now a University residential quarter for students, professors, and employees of the University.