Begijnhof, Amsterdam
History
The Begijnhof is one of the oldest inner courts in the city of Amsterdam. Its origin dates back to the early 14th century, when it was built for the Beguines, a semi-monastic Christian lay order of women who lived together in a close community under vows of chastity. The Begijnhof was not a convent in the traditional sense as the Beguines were free to leave at any point to get married.
The Begijnhof is the only inner court in Amsterdam which was founded during the Middle Ages, and therefore lies within the oldest part of the city. Its buildings, most of which date from the 17th and 18th centuries, reflect the architectural style of the Dutch Golden Age, and are centered around a well-kept courtyard.
Architecture
The Begijnhof comprises 47 houses, a chapel, and a historic wooden house. The houses are built in the traditional Dutch style with gabled facades. The most notable building in the Begijnhof is the wooden house at No. 34, known as Het Houten Huis. It is the oldest wooden house in Amsterdam and is one of only two remaining in the city. This house, dating back to around 1528, is a rare example of the type of wooden construction that was common in Amsterdam before the 16th century.
The Begijnhof Chapel, or the Chapel of the Holy Heart, is a hidden Catholic church that was built in the 17th century. The chapel is dedicated to Saint John and Saint Ursula and is still in use today. The interior of the chapel features a richly decorated altar, a pulpit from the 19th century, and a series of paintings depicting scenes from the life of Saint Ursula.
Today
Today, the Begijnhof is a tranquil oasis in the bustling heart of Amsterdam. It is a popular tourist attraction and is also home to a community of women who carry on the Beguine tradition. The Begijnhof is open to the public during the day, but it is still a place of residence and visitors are asked to respect the peace and quiet.
