The Begijnhof
Place of peace in the heart of the city
INTRODUCTION
For more than 600 years, the Begijnhof, one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam, has been located in a quiet spot of Amsterdam's busy city center. The date of the foundation of the Begijnhof has never been fixed and can probably never be determined. The first mention dates back to 1307 and in 1346 there is mention of a 'Beghynhuys'. Even today the Begijnhof still exists. We are working hard to preserve this beautifull and quiet place with her lovely houses in the current state for the future generations.
About The Begijnhof
Traditionally The Begijnhof is still inhabited by single women over 30 years. In the past only Begijnen lived here, but in 1971 the last Begijn died. More than 100 women live here at this moment. There are 2 churches, the Roman Catholic Begijnhof chapel and the presbyterian English Reformed Church. Also you can find one of the oldest wooden houses of Amsterdam here at Begijnhof, the Wooden House is dated before 1452, the second large city fire of Amsterdam.
The organisation
The Begijnhof is responsible for maintaining the houses on the court. Almost all houses are Rijksmonumenten. By rental of the apartments income is generated to pay for this costly maintenance. These old houses demand a lot of maintenance. Also the whole terrain is approx 80 cm below Amsterdam street level, because of this there are some pumps installed under the bleaching field to make sure that the ever increasing rainfall can be handled and will not floud our houses. The wooden casco of 18 houses dates back to the 15th century and many facades date back to the 17th and 18th century. In present times we are working hard on the sustainability of all houses, a though but interesting job.
Information for tourists
The Begijnhof is open daily between 10 and 18 hrs. Only on Kingsday, april 27, it is closed. The entrance and exit for all tourist is the gate at the Begijnensteeg. If you walk through the gate you come to the main court with all lovely houses and bleaching field. If you walk on you come to the entrance of the Begijnhof Chapel and the English Reformed Church. If you walk left you can see the Wooden House. Left of this house you can find the facade stones which were placed here in the sixties of the last century. Opposite the Wooden House you see the small court with the other houses. If you leave the Begijnhof you take the same gate as when entering, the Begijnenpoort.