• MAP
  • EAT+DRINK
    • BREAKFAST+BRUNCH
    • COFFEE+TEA
    • BARS+CAFES
    • LUNCH
    • RESTAURANTS
    • SNACKS+SWEETS
  • THINGS TO DO
    • ART+CULTURE
    • DAY TRIPS
    • FESTIVALS+EVENTS
    • SHOPPING
    • MUSIC+CLUBS
  • VISITOR TIPS
    • ACCOMMODATIONS
  • FUN FACTS
  • GETAWAYS
    • NETHERLANDS
    • ABROAD
  • ABOUT US

AWESOME AMSTERDAM

BEGIJNHOF

ART & CULTURE, CENTRUM, THINGS TO DO

BEGIJNHOF AMSTERDAM • PEEK INTO THE PAST

Visit this charming enclave of homes surrounding a peaceful garden right in the heart of Amsterdam.

BEGIJNHOF AMSTERDAM • PEEK INTO THE PAST

The delightful enclave of homes surrounding this quiet garden right off the busy Spui is known as the Begijnhof, or courtyard of the Beguines. The Beguines were unmarried Catholic women who took vows of chastity and attended daily Mass in the courtyard church. They were not nuns, however, as they were free to leave at any time to marry or pursue other interests.

The 47 townhomes in the Begijnhof look like typical AmsterdaBEGIJNHOF AMSTERDAM • PEEK INTO THE PASTm houses, with façades dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, although some of the structures still have Gothic wooden frames. The oldest wooden house in Amsterdam is at number 34. Notice the lovely gables at the top of the buildings and the interesting carved and painted stones depicting religious topics near the entrance.

The original Begijnhof was founded in the mid 14th century. In the 15th century, two large fires swept through Amsterdam, destroying the Begijnhof and the church, but the Beguines rebuilt. The new Catholic church, dedicated to patron saints John and Ursula, was later closed during the Protestant revolt of 1578 and subsequently became a Protestant church known as the “English Church”. Two homes opposite the church were then transformed into a secret “hidden church” for Catholics.

Amsterdam was once one of the most popular Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world due to the Miracle of the Sacrament. This miracle occurred in 1345 when a very sick man was given the Sacrament by the local priest, but later vomited up the wafer representing the Host. It was thrown into the fire, but the unharmed Host floated above the flames. A woman grabbed it without getting burned and sent for the priest who took this miracle Host back to the church. The next day the woman found the Host again in the sick man’s house. The paintings in the “hidden church” refer to this story.

The last Beguine died in 1971, but 105 single women still live in the dwellings of the Begijnhof today. The courtyard is open every day from 9:00 – 17:00. Please respect the residents and remain quiet while visiting.

Begijnhof
Begijnhof 30, Amsterdam

[map height=”200″ skin=”gray” disable_scrollwheel=”1″][pin icon=”https://awesomeamsterdam.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/map_pin_X-copy.png” pin center=”1″]Begijnhof 30, Amsterdam[/pin][/map]

You might also like these posts:

  • Vintage clothing shopping in Amsterdam
  • Sleep on a houseboat in Amsterdam
  • 15 specialty beer bars in Amsterdam
  • Things to do on a rainy day in Amsterdam
  • Amsterdamse Bos
  • Haarlem: day trip from Amsterdam
  • 23 FREE things to do in Amsterdam
  • 25 top coffee spots in Amsterdam
  • Best garden cafes in Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam street art
  • 40+ breakfast and brunch spots in Amsterdam
  • Vegetarian restaurants in Amsterdam
  • Best parks in Amsterdam

{e-mailit}


Book Amsterdam tours, attractions, and activities online here!

 0

You Might Also Like

Five canal houses on the Herengracht have been transformed into one of Amsterdam's hippest hotels.

THE HOXTON AMSTERDAM

October 18, 2016
Sweet Cup Coffee Amsterdam

SWEET CUP COFFEE

November 12, 2017

LAVINIA GOOD FOOD

October 15, 2015
Previous Post
Next Post
This site contains affiliate links. See About Us for more information.


Airbnb referral


CANAL CRUISE

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH SPOTS

  • BAKERS&ROASTERS
    BAKERS & ROASTERS
  • DROVERS
    DROVERS DOG
  • DIGNITA
    DIGNITA
  • LITTLECOLLINS
    LITTLE COLLINS
  • TEDS
    TEDS ALL DAY BRUNCH

SEARCH THE SITE

DISCOVER NEW FAVORITES

  • AMSTERDAM SECRET PLACES - The city has many secrets, and some of them are places you can visit! These Amsterdam secrets are sitting in plain sight but even some locals haven't discovered them all yet. Here are a few of our hidden favorites.
    13 AMSTERDAM SECRETS
  • TOP CANAL BOAT TOURS IN AMSTERDAM Seeing Amsterdam from the water is something you definitely do not want to miss when visiting Amsterdam. Here are a few of the most popular canal boat companies in Amsterdam and some of the different tours they offer.
    Top Canal Boat Tours in Amsterdam
  • Thanksgiving in Amsterdam
    THANKSGIVING IN AMSTERDAM
  • BEST BREAKFAST & BRUNCH IN AMSTERDAM
    TOP 40+ BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH IN AMSTERDAM
  • Stay on a houseboat in Amsterdam - rent a houseboat
    Sleep on a Houseboat in Amsterdam

SHOP FOR THIS CUTE AMSTERDAM TOTE BAG

Amsterdam tote bag Amsterdam pouch

SEARCH THE SITE

CONTACT US

  • ABOUT US
    FIND OUT MORE ABOUT US & GET IN TOUCH

WANNA GET AWAY?

IDEAS FOR QUICK HOLIDAY BREAKS THE WEEKEND GUIDE

all text and images © AwesomeAmsterdam 2011-2018 /// QUESTIONS? CONTACT US AT [email protected] /// Privacy Policy