Begijnhof
Begijnhof

A hidden gem right in the heart of Amsterdam where architecture and serenity meet.

• This inner court of Amsterdam (or a "hofje" as locals call it), constructed in 1346, is a collective dwelling of tall historical buildings.
• This particular one dates back to the Middle Ages, and is still well preserved today! Only a stone throw away from iconic canals.
• You can walk around and see the facade of 17th and 18th century Dutch homes, which are still lived in today.
• In the centre of the courtyard is a sprawling green lawn, with a chapel that you can visit on each side.
• The very Engelse Kerk (English church) that you can visit is where the inhabitants of this court attended mass (and were required to do so while living there) up until the 16th century when the Protestant wave took over the country.
• The inhabitants who lives here are all women, and traditionally since it was close by to a convent, the residents had to attend mass and take a vow of celibacy. until they got married and can then move out of the Begijnhof.
• You will see a tall black wooden house, which is the oldest house in Amsterdam! This is one of the very few remaining wooden house in Amsterdam since they become restricted to be built due to the risk of fire.