Begijnhof

Surprising, isn’t it? This hidden courtyard, right in the heart of the city, is the Begijnhof of Amsterdam. Existing since the Middle Ages, this peaceful enclave was home for centuries to a community of Beguines—single Catholic women not belonging to any religious order but dedicating their lives to care for the poor and sick. At number 34, you’ll find the oldest house in Amsterdam, one of only two remaining wooden-fronted houses in the entire city. Surrounded by 47 houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, this unique and historic site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And it’s keeping up with the tradition, as it is mostly women living in these charming homes today!