BegijnhofAn oasis of calm
Begijnhof (Beguinage courtyard) is a pretty spot in the city, a peaceful place where time seems to have stood still. Its name comes from the Catholic order of the Beguines, who lived in the square and dedicated their lives to helping the poor and sick. At Number 34 is the wooden house, Houten Huys, which is the oldest in Amsterdam. As this is private property, visiting times are very restricted.