Begijnhof Amsterdam: the hidden courtyard of the Beguines

Updated on October 1, 2026

The Begijnhof is an enclosed courtyard in central Amsterdam, just off the Spui, where the Beguines once lived: devout women who led a religious life without taking vows. First mentioned in 1307, it is one of the oldest parts of the city: narrow houses surround a lawn, a church and a chapel. The courtyard is privately owned and still lived in. Entry is free, every day from 10am to 6pm, provided you respect the peace of the place.

Highlights

The courtyard and its lawn

Around the central lawn, once a bleaching field where linen was whitened in the sun, the façades show almost every type of Amsterdam gable: step, bell, neck and straight. Most were rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Het Houten Huys

The wooden house at no. 34 predates the great fire of 1452. It is one of the oldest houses in Amsterdam: its front and rear façades are made entirely of wood, and its Gothic timber frame survives inside.

The façade stones

Saint Ursula and Saint John, the patrons of the Begijnhof, appear on the carved stones of nos. 23 and 24. Above the old Begijnensteeg gate, the courtyard's oldest sculpture, dated 1574, shows Saint Ursula sheltering virgins under her cloak.

The English Church

After the city turned Protestant in 1578, the Beguines lost their chapel in the middle of the courtyard. In 1607 the city gave it to the English Presbyterians, and it has been called the English Church ever since.

The hidden chapel

Deprived of their church, Catholics set up hidden churches in private houses. The Begijnhof, whose houses belonged to the Beguines, was the only Catholic institution to survive this change. The Begijnhof Chapel, at no. 30, is still a Catholic place of worship.

Infos pratiques

Tips

The Begijnhof is a place of silence where people live: speak quietly and stay in the part open to the public. Bicycles, dogs and wheeled suitcases are not allowed, nor is eating or drinking; there are no bins. Groups are limited to 12 people. On busy days and at weekends, hosts supervise visitors: follow their instructions.

How to get there

Entrance on the Gedempte Begijnensloot, in line with the Begijnensteeg, near the Spui, 1012 RM Amsterdam. About a 20-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal. GVB tram stop Spui (lines 2 and 24); metro 52, Rokin station, about a 5-minute walk.