The Begijnhof

The Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard dating from the early 14th century. Nothing survived of the earliest dwellings, but the Begijnhof.

The Begijnhof is now an oasis of calm in the busy Kalverstraat; directly behind the Amsterdam Museum. Around the year 1150, a group of pious women decided to join together to form a religious community, the main purpose of caring for the sick and teaching. These were the first "beguines" although this name then was not used. The women were not nuns and lived out their entire lives in the seclusion of a monastery. They had no founders and put no lifetime vows. They had to be unmarried. They could at any time withdraw their vows and leave the Beguine, for example, to get married.

The Beguine consisted of small houses and a church, around a courtyard which was closed at night. During the Reformation, the beguines had to give up their church to the English. Since then mentioned the "English Church". In the course of time, the medieval houses were rebuilt or replaced, but the house number 34 is the wooden facade preserved. The house dates from the second half of the 15th century and was reconstructed in 1957 using the original materials. You can visit this particular attraction in Amsterdam and take a short walk in the Begijnhofje, the entrance is on the Spui.

The beautiful houses overlook its well-kept green garden, include the Amsterdam's oldest surviving house Het Houten Huis dating from around 1420. On the adjoining walls, there is a fascinating collection of wall plaques with the biblical theme. Southern fringe of the square is dominated by the Engelse Kerk (English Church) which dates from the 15 century and possesses its original medieval tower.

Houses in Begijnhof are still occupied by single women, so please respect their privacy and be quiet.