Begijnhof, North Holland Province, The Netherlands

4.5 (4.608 reviews) Spent < 1 hour Ranking #50 in Amsterdam Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas

Peaceful courtyard amidst the city’s hustle and bustle

Tucked away just off Spui, this delightful collection of houses arranged around an open court is well worth searching out.

Gedempte Begijnensloot, 1012 RM Amsterdam The Netherlands

http://www.begijnhofamsterdam.nl/

Monday, April 29, 2024, 4:09

4.5 based on (4.608 reviews)

Excellent

47%

Good

41%

Satisfactory

11%

Poor

Terrible

4Tibor P 5:00 PM Sep 25, 2021
The atmosphere is stunning
The Begijnhof was founded during the Middle Age. The ancient, restored wooden house is one of the two wooden houses still existing in Amsterdam. After Protestant takeover of 1578, the Begijnhof was the only Roman Catholic institution to be allowed to remain in existence. Today there are two churches, the Catholic Houten Huys and the English Reformed Church. It's not the individual buildings that are interesting, but the atmosphere of the place. The secret Catholic church is spectacular. Amsterdam's oldest house is in very good condition, although one wonders how fire-prone a city like this must have been when fires were burning everywhere and all the houses were made of wood. (A fire caused the decision in to make the houses in Amsterdam) Today there is no Beguine living on the estate. The last, "Sister Antonia", whose original name was Agatha Kaptein, died on 23 May 1971 at her age of 84.
5LAW64 5:00 PM May 9, 2022
Very quiet oasis
A lovely quiet place off a busy street - we were really pleased to be recommended this by our hotel. You are only allowed in for 15 minutes and no food allowed. You are asked to be quiet to respect the residents who live here. Lovely historical place to visit.