Begijnhof and Chapel

Built in the early 14th century using traditional medieval architecture, the Begijnhof was built as a sanctuary for a group of religious women, known today as the Beguines. The compound is rectangular grouping of Dutch houses that form a walled community surrounding a beautiful lawn and garden courtyard in the center. The earliest inhabitants were a Catholic sisterhood of nuns, and today it is still inhabited by single women, though not specifically nuns. Within the courtyard, the former Begijnhof Chapel still remains, which was originally designed to be “hidden” from the casual observer during the time when Catholicism was not allowed to be openly practiced by the Protestant Church of Amsterdam. The Begijnhof Chapel was used as a house of worship in secret, despite the order of the Protestant Church, and is a place of historic importance for the Catholic faith. If you are visiting the churches of Amsterdam, the Begijnhof Chapel simply must be on your short list of sights to see on your journey.

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