Amsterdam General Information
Begijnhof / The Wooden House
Amsterdam is a city full of exciting things to do. There's the casino in the museum area, the city's many coffeeshops, streets full of great shopping, and the titillating red light district. But especially during a longer visit, taking a break from all the excitement can be more than a little welcome.
The Begijnhof Amsterdam area is one of the quietest, most pleasant spots in Amsterdam. Though it's located in the heart of the city, it has an out of the way feel; Begijnhof can even be a little difficult to find, as it is well hidden from the hustle of the busy outside world. Its fenced green courtyard and small daily book market (open from 10 am to 5 pm daily and definitely worth a visit) feel like a world away.
Begijnhof is a very old area of Amsterdam, dating from the 14th century. Centuries ago, this neighborhood was occupied by the Begijns, a Catholic order of women (like nuns, but without having taken vows) who were devoted to caring for the sick and the poor. While the last of the order of the Begijns died in the 1970s, the Begijnhof still retains its quiet, peaceful character, complete with quaint and quiet Begijnkerk chapel. The chapel itself still holds services, and is a wonderful, quiet place to get away from it all no matter your faith.
The highlight of Begijnhof is The Wooden House. Centuries ago, Amsterdam was full of wooden houses. But after the devastating fire of 1521, much of Amsterdam burned to the ground, and the building of wooden houses was prohibited. The Wooden House survived the fire, and is the oldest wooden house in Amsterdam it dates from 1420.
Though a visit to Begijnhof should be on every tourist's list, it's important to remember that this is a residential neighborhood today. Now set aside as low-cost housing for women, the buildings surrounding the large green courtyard are normal houses occupied by normal citizens. Because of this, they ask that large groups don't visit Begijnhof all at once, and large tours are forbidden.
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