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Amsterdam The Begijnhof Information
(Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands NL)
Attractions in Amsterdam, North Holland Netherlands NL
The Begijnhof
Address:
Amsterdam
Netherlands NL
This peaceful haven offers a pleasant spot to take time out from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Begijnhof, dating from the early 14th century, is an enclosed courtyard situated behind the busy Spui shopping area, and comprises small historic houses grouped around a well-kept courtyard featuring lawns and tall trees.
The Begijnhof dates from circa 1465, and one of the houses here is the oldest maintained wooden house in the country. This area was formerly a convent inhabited by the Beguines, who were unmarried or widowed women from wealthy families who lived a religious life without taking monastic vows, and devoting their lives to caring for the elderly. The last true Beguines died in the 1970s.
Visit our World Travel Guide to Amsterdam, Netherlands for more Amsterdam information...
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