Begijnhof Quarter, Amsterdam

A complex of historic buildings that were built in the Middle Ages as a shelter for the poor and elderly citizens. A wealthy merchant, Koppe van der Laane, donated a portion of the land to the Beguines-religious widows and old single maidens who preferred to live in a religious society without taking a monastic vow. In our time of day, the Begeijnhof performs the same function.

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