Begijnhof (Beguinage)
An enclosed courtyard with 2 churches and charming houses dating from the early 14th centuryA narrow, vaulted passageway leads to this charming garden surrounded by old houses. The devout celibate Béguine nuns have been replaced by old ladies. In the centre of the lawns stands a medieval church, while No.34 is the oldest house in Amsterdam. Entrance on Spui is indicated by a carved sign, entry is free.
The Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard dating from the early 14th century. Nothing survived of the earliest dwellings, but the Begijnhof, which is cut off from Amsterdam's traffic noice, still
retains a sanctified atmosphere. The Begijnhof was originally built as a sactuary for the Begijntjes, a Catholic sisterhood who lived like nuns, although they took no monastic vows.
The beautiful houses overlook its well-kept green garden, include the Amsterdam's oldest surviving house Het Houten Huis dating from around 1420. On the adjoining walls, there is a fascinating collection of wall plaques with biblical theme. Southern fringe of the square is dominated by the Engelse Kerk (English Church) which dates from the 15th century and possesses its original medieval tower.
Houses in Begijnhof are still occupied by single women, so please respect their privacy and be quiet.
The Begijnhof Chapel (No. 29 and 30), a clandestine church, was completed in 1680. It contains many reminders of the Catholic past.
Nowadays Begijnhof is one of Amsterdam's top attractions.
How to get there?
By tram: 1, 2 or 5 stop Spui.By car: nearest car park de Bijenkorf
It could be difficult to find the gate but the moment you walk through it, you'll experience another world. Begijnhof is located right in the city center, close to the Spui and and 5 minutes from Dam Square.
Impressions of the Begijnhof:
Begijnhof
(Spui)
Amsterdam
| Begijnhof and chapel Opening hours |
|||
| Sun | 09:00 | - | 17:00 |
| Mon | 09:00 | - | 17:00 |
| Tue | 09:00 | - | 17:00 |
| Wed | 09:00 | - | 17:00 |
| Thu | 09:00 | - | 17:00 |
| Fri | 09:00 | - | 17:00 |
| Sat | 09:00 | - | 17:00 |
official websites
Beguinage and chapel
Queen Beatrix and Elizabeth II attending a special ceremony at the Begijnhof on 5 February, 2007 to mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of the English Protestant Church.