Begijnhof (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

“The Begijnhof is the only inner court in Amsterdam which was founded during the Middle Ages, and therefore lies within the Singel — the innermost canal of Amsterdam’s circular canal system. The Begijnhof is at medieval street level, which means a meter below the rest of the old city center. It is unclear when exactly the Begijnhof (Beguines‘ court) was founded. In 1346, the beguines still lived in a house (a document of that time mentioned one beghynhuys). A courtyard was only first mentioned in 1389, probably after the religious status of the city rose due to the Amsterdam Eucharistic Miracle of 1345.” (Wikipedia)

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This little street is off of a majorly crowded and crazy shopping street. It will eventually lead you to Begijnhof. Look how lopsided it is!!

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painted bike (in courtyard before Begijnhof)

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one of the entrances to Begijnhof

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This place feels like a secret. An oasis in the middle of crazy, bustling Amsterdam (and not the easiest place to find either!).

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“The Beguines (the women who lived here) were a Catholic order of unmarried or widowed women who cared for the elderly and lived a religious life without taking monastic vows. The last true Beguines died in the 1970s.” (Lonely Planet) A community of single women still live here.

 

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so peaceful

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This is one of the two old wooden houses still existing in the center of Amsterdam.

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The Pilgrim Fathers worshiped here before leaving for America.

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inside the church

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lilacs!

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This place is so beautiful and peaceful- it’s hard to believe it’s in the middle of one of the busiest cities. It feels like it’s from a Fairy Tale.

 

One thought on “Begijnhof (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  1. Marlaine Lerz

    It looks familiar for some reason! Did you take dad and I there? What a beautiful place…I look forward to many more blogs while you are on break from school! Xo mom

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