Hofpoort
This narrow street, which starts with a gate in the Gasthuisstraat, used to lead to the ‘hofken’ (small garden) Groenetidaal located in the Driezenstraat. In the Turnhout dialect, an alley or narrow street is called a ‘poort’ (gate). The street was popularly called the Hofpoort (garden gate) and that name has survived.
In the middle of the street is a public garden. This small city park is an ideal place for some peace and quiet, a hidden spot in the centre of Turnhout. You will find a number of large wooden seat constructions and play objects here. A special feature is a Ginkgo Biloba (Japanese Nut Tree) can be found in the garden. This is a rare, unique tree and the only survivor of a primitive species. The tree endured because it was cultivated in the gardens of the Chinese palace. Around 1700 it was introduced as a park tree in Europe.