Begijnhof

Begijnhof in Amsterdam 1

Begijnhof in Amsterdam

Begijnhof in Short:

  • Age: All ages
  • Time needed to visit: 1 hour
  • Where in Amsterdam: 1071 DN Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Discount possible?: Not needed, it is free!
  • Can you use the I amsterdam pass?: Not needed, it is free!
  • Neighborhood: Amsterdam City Center
  • Close to: The Flower market, Dungeon Amsterdam, The 9 streets,

What is the Begijnhof:

The Begijnhof in Amsterdam is an iconic and beautiful courtyard tucked away in the heart of the city, and it is one of the few remaining examples of a medieval court in the Netherlands. Beguinages are rare in the Netherlands, besides Amsterdam there is only one other large Beguinage in Breda (a place in the south of the Netherlands). The Begijnhof was originally built in the late 13th century, and it has been home to the women of the Catholic sisterhood.

Short history of the Begijnhof

The Begijnhof is a living relic of Amsterdam’s past and it has a fascinating history. It is not sure in which year the Begijnhof was founded, but historians assume that it was built between 1346-1389. This was a place where unmarried women, known as beguines, could come to live and serve the church. The beguines were expected to lead a pious life, and they were often very poor.

The only source of income they had was charitable donations and they were allowed to work in the community, often as teachers or nurses. The beguines were viewed favorably by the Church, and the Begijnhof was one of the few places in Europe where women could live independently and without fear of persecution.

What can you do at the Begijnhof nowadays:

Today, the Begijnhof is a popular tourist attraction and it is home to a number of interesting buildings, including a church and a number of old homes. The Begijnhof is a reminder of Amsterdam’s past and it is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. It is also a living example of how a community can be transformed and how it can be a source of hope for many people. The last Beguine passed away in 1971, she was the last Beguine of this Begijnhof.

Is the Begijnhof free? Do you need tickets?

The Begijnhof is free! If you are looking for a nice activity to do which won’t cost you money, visiting Begijnhof is a nice thing to do! You also don’t need to reserve a ticket to visit the Begijnhof.

4 reasons why you should visit the Begijnhof

  1. Unique location in the city center: The Begijnhof in Amsterdam is an incredible and unique place to visit. It is one of the oldest inner-city courtyards in the Netherlands and is filled with history and culture.
  2. Experience the medieval vibe: The Begijnhof is a great place for those looking to explore Amsterdam’s history and culture, as it has been around since the early 13th century. For those looking to explore a part of Amsterdam that is steeped in history, the Begijnhof is the perfect spot.
  3. Beautiful architecture: Begijnhof is home to a variety of old, traditional buildings, including two churches and a number of old houses, which provide a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can also admire the unique architecture of the buildings and their beautiful landscaped gardens.
  4. Peaceful environment: This old begijnhof is also a popular spot for those looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a tranquil and peaceful environment. You would not expect that the Begijnhof is just located next to the busy Kalverstraat.

How to get to The Begijnhof:

The Begijnhof is located in the heart of Amsterdam’s city center, at a walking distance from the flower market and the Spui.