Dating from the early 14th century, this enclosed former convent is a peaceful haven, with tiny houses and postage-stamp gardens around a well-kept courtyard off Gedempte Begijnensloot. Within the hof (courtyard) is the charming 1671 Begijnhof Kapel, and the Engelse Kerk, built around 1392. The Houten Huis, the Netherlands' oldest preserved wooden house, dates from around 1465.
As the courtyard is still a place of residence, visitors must be respectful (no eating, drinking, smoking, photography of houses or excessive noise).
The Beguines, a Catholic order of unmarried or widowed women who cared for the elderly, lived a religious life without taking monastic vows. The last Beguine died in 1971.
