During your visit to Amsterdam, I recommend that you visit one of the city's beguinages.
Today, I'd like to introduce you to some exceptional places not to be missed.
Amsterdam beguinage: article summary
What is a hofje?
The term "hofje" is Dutch and means a generally private courtyard surrounded by hospices.
Hofjes have existed in Amsterdam since the Middle Ages. They also exist in other Dutch cities such as Den Haag, Haarlem and Leiden, among others.
A Begijnhof is slightly different from an ordinary hofje in that it resembles the French "béguinage". These courses were traditionally for the exclusive use of women, called "beguines", who remained within the community, but committed themselves to a religious life.
However, they would not take vows, and women would not withdraw from public life. Instead, they attended regular mass, took a vow of chastity and were free to leave if they wished to marry.
Amsterdam beguinage: a secret 14th-century Hofje
One of the best reasons to visit Amsterdam is all the history the city has to offer. Those with a particular interest in the Middle Ages should head for the heart of the city.
And somewhere between traditional architecture and canals, you'll find an enclosed space away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.
Behind two small gates, enclosed by ancient red brick walls and once inhabited by beguines, the history of Begijnhof dates back to the Middle Ages.
Founded as early as 1346, although the exact date remains uncertain, the courtyard architecture was similar to that of a convent.
Over time, many of the original wooden dwellings have been replaced by stone facades, and none of the original 14th-century structures have survived.
As a result, most of the architecture you can expect to find in the courtyard is that of the 17ᵉ and 18ᵉ centuries.
The center of Catholicism in Amsterdam
When Catholicism was banned in the city in the 17th century, an underground church was located in the Begijnhof.
Other churches were kept secret in Amsterdam. I recommend a visit to Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic), a former attic church that has since been restored. has been transformed into a small museum in Amsterdam.
The beguines who lived there took a vow of chastity and undertook to attend regular church services. Today, the Begijnhof in Amsterdam houses two churches: an English Reformed church and a second Catholic church.
Other highlights at Begijnhof include a restored wooden house (Houten Huys) dating back to 1528 and considered the oldest house in Amsterdam.
Some tips for visiting the Amsterdam Beguinage
The place is free to visit and open every day of the week, so it's best to visit the hofje earlier in the day to make the most of your time inside, and also so you can arrive before the rest of the crowd.
Indeed, Amsterdam's Begijnhof is probably the Dutch capital's worst-kept secret.
Although the entrance can be a little tricky to find, it's located near the American Book Centre. Nearby, you'll find a small bakery selling really delicious gooey chocolate cookies.
An early closure to respect the tenants of the premises
The gates are usually closed to the public at 5pm. It should be noted that the hofje houses are still inhabited to this day. For this reason, when you visit, it's important to be quiet, and to keep your mouth shut. respect silence and the privacy of residents.
This also means that when visiting the courtyard, you will be limited to staying in the non-resident area! Please note that since the courtyard is open every day of the week, you can even visit on a Sunday.
Amsterdam's beguinage is a must-see if you're discovering the city. You'll find a pretty little courtyard full of history, surrounded by centuries-old buildings. Enough to immerse yourself in the heart of Amsterdam.
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