I made two visits to the Begijnhof Section in Amsterdam. The beguines, as they came to be called, settled this area of Amsterdam in 1150. They took care of the sick but they were not nuns, took no vows and were free to leave.
You pass through this portal and go down this lane
to reach the interior
This house shown below was thought to be the oldest house in Amsterdam until very recently. It was determined to have been built in 1528.
I also visited a former Beguinage in Brugge, Belgium, established in 1245, that is now used by the Benedictines. Here are some photos.
Here is another interesting documentary about the Beguines.
I hope you enjoyed this post.
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Fascinating! Enjoy traveling the world with you.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are wonderful. I haven't traveled very much, I guess I'm more of a homebody, but your photos make me want to get out more.
ReplyDeleteThe travel bug bit me at an early age and never left.
DeleteI had never heard of the Beguinage either Denise. Couldn't watch all the video clips now but will try and return. Absolutely fascinating. Your very first picture in this post I thought "those houses are falling over".
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of houses in Amsterdam that look like they are falling over. More pics I can post.
DeleteSuch a beautiful place, it's been years since we've been to Holland and Belgium.
ReplyDeleteThis may seem like an odd comment, but I was struck looking at your pictures by how people in Europe have such respect for "breathing spaces" for lack of anything better to call them. Courtyards, little enclosures, etc. Here in the US EVERYTHING has to be filled up with something. It feels as if there's no room to breathe or contemplate. I'm looking forward to my visit to the British Isles in September to see if I can "feel" a difference. :)
ReplyDeleteCalen~
Impromptu Promptlings
A to Z Challenge Happy Trails To You!
You can tax developed property at a higher rate than vacant land. Not that I as a former tax collector know anything about, 😉
DeleteI have to watch these when I am at home but loving the pictures and houses-tilted and all:) I wonder about that courtyard and if it was a cemetery at one time. The only reason i say this is because, when I visited my Aunt in Brixen, There was an interior courtyard which I said was so nice and she told me it was a graveyard. The gravestones are gone but the bodies are still there
ReplyDeleteYou are right about the graves. In Amsterdam there was one that was actually in the walkway. I can't remember why the person was buried there and my photo did not turn out or I would have posted it.
DeleteLooks like a very pretty place. A different side of Amsterdam than what we normally get. Thanks for sharing your photos and memories.
ReplyDeleteI loved your April travel theme and enjoyed these photos, as well. History and architecture are always fascinating! Thanks, Denise. ☺
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