The Begijnhof is one of the oldest inner courts in the city of Amsterdam. Its history dates back to the 12th century. A group of historic buildings, mostly private dwellings, centre on it. The buildings in the court are tall, characteristically Amsterdam-style town-houses, emphasising the court's relatively private character. Some houses have been demolished and rebuilt during the years as, for instance, the gatehouse leading to the Spui (1907), and the presbytery (1915). At the restoration of the Begijnhof (1984-1987), the courtyard was renovated and some houses enlarged.
URL: http://www.begijnhofamsterdam.nl   Show Location on Map