Visiting the Begijnhof
The Begijnhof is a medieval inner courtyard located in the heart of the old city of Amsterdam. Built during the Middle Ages, it is the oldest and most well-known of its kind in the Netherlands capital.
An iconic neighborhood
To find the courtyard, you will need to head to the Spuiplein square. Access is through the door of a brown house that stands out easily among a row of white buildings. Inside, you will find a large garden surrounded by about forty houses with distinctive architectural features.
A bit of history
In the 14th century, the Begijnhof was a Catholic institution housing a group of lay sisters known as the Beguines. These women lived in autonomous communities within these small houses. They supported the needy and worked in pottery, weaving, and spinning workshops. They also dedicated themselves to caring for the sick and educating the poor. These women enjoyed a degree of independence, setting their own community rules and remaining free to marry. The last Beguine passed away in 1971.
The churches of the Begijnhof
Facing the Beguine houses stands the Engelse Kerk (English Church), where the sisters originally attended services. In 1665, following the Reformation, the building was turned over to the Protestants. At that time, the Beguines had to build their own clandestine chapel by joining two houses together. This is the Begijnhof Chapel, a building now recognized as a UNESCO site.
The site feels cut off from the rest of the city, offering a quiet, serene atmosphere. The nearby canals are often filled with swans and ducks. Every Tuesday in July and August, the site hosts free classical music concerts. The chapel also holds mass, sometimes in French, on Sundays at 11:15 AM. You can explore the area on your own with an audio guide or join a guided tour.
Not necessarily easy to find, the Begijnhof is located right in the city center of Amsterdam. It is a small, unique, and rather pleasant square to hang out in during your visit to the city. This place is worth a look even if you do not need to spend hours there. It does not cost anything to take a little detour, and you will be pleasantly surprised, just like I was.