Begijnhof History, Travel Information, Facts And More
Rate Begijnhof as Historical landmark here
PERSONAL INFORMATION
NAME
Begijnhof
COUNTRY
Netherlands
ADDRESS
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 373, 1012 RM Amsterdam, Netherlands
BEGIJNHOF PICTURE
More Information
About Begijnhof
Begijnhof is an old courtyard located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is a group of historic buildings. It served as a Béguinage and also home to two churches, the English Reformed Church and the Catholic Houten Huys. Though the exact date of its formation is not known there are some documents that prove that beguines used to live in a house in 1346. The place is older than the Singel canal and is at medieval street level. It is fully surrounded by water. The place remains open for visitors from nine mornings till five in the evening.
Some Lesser Known Facts About Begijnhof
- One of the most interesting facts about Begijnhof is the story of sister Cornelia Arens. She was known for sharing her feeling about the vows of chastity and the Catholic faith. She died on 14 October 1654 and wished to be buried in the gutter of the court instead of burring in the Chapel which she said is desecrated by Presbyterians. She was buried in the Chapel against her will and the following day, her coffin was discovered in the adjoining gutter. The incident occurred two more times and she was finally laid to rest in the gutter. It was also said that her soul used to roam in the court until she was buried in the gutter.
- Travelers should take care that it is a spiritual center so dogs, bicycles, groups, tours, and filming are not allowed at the place. However quiet filming and photography by private individuals are allowed.
- Though it is located very close to the busy Kalverstraat shopping street but still very quiet and provides peace to the mind.
- Beguines were different from nuns in a convent. They enjoyed the vows of chastity but were free leave the Beguinage at any moment if they wanted to get married or any other instance.
- The place was visited by many well-known people like Vincent Van Gogh.
- Sister Antonia was the last beguine who died in May 1971 after which the place is no longer a beguinage but still the resident does not approve noise made by tourist or to stare inside their living room. For this reason, the path around the two greens is closed for the traveler and only the residents can have access the area.
USER RATING FOR BEGIJNHOF