Begijnhof Amsterdam

This is one of the oldest and most beautiful places in Amsterdam, the Beguinage. In 1150, a group of woman came together to live in a religious community, primarily to look after the sick. These were in effect, the first Beguines, although te name was not yet used. It is not known exactly when the Beguinage was founded but it is about 1346 or 1393.

At the restoration of the Beguinage in the eighties, the courtyard was renovated and some houses enlarged. The last Beguine died in 1971 so the Beguinage is no longer a beguinage in the strict sense of the word.

You can read more about the history here