The Beguines

In the 1930s, Cole Porter wrote the song Begin the Beguine, about the sultry slow rumba-like dance from the island of Martinique.  In the local Creole language, a beguine was a white woman.

In Amsterdam, the Beguines, were woman, but they would have been shocked at a sultry dance.  In the 14th century, Amsterdam was a destination for pilgrims and a strong Catholic center. The Beguines, or Begijnen in Dutch, had their own cloister that was founded in 1346.  They were not nuns.  They were pious lay women who were involved in charitable and religious work.  This was a good alternative for women who were not married or had children, and who did not want to become a nun.  At this time the choices were few.



Views of the inner courtyard of the Begijnhof. It is amazingly peaceful here. 


In 1419, a gothic-style church was consecrated for the use of the Beguines.  From 1578-1795, Catholics were no longer allowed to openly practice their religion, as the Protestants had taken over. Oddly, the Beguines were left alone.  However, in 1607, their church was given to the Protestant community.  I had no one to ask if the church was given to placate the Protestants, or if they took it against the Catholics' wishes.  Because they had no place to worship, they would worship in hidden chapels built into someone's home.  I think one reason they were left alone, was because each woman owned her own home, and it was not the property of th Catholic Church.



At one time, this was the door to a Catholic Church.  The church now belongs to the Church of Scotland. Tourists cannot enter.


Cornelia Arents, the mistress of the Begijnhof, died in 1654.  She did not want to be buried in the Protestant church, even though this was her right.  Since some of her family had become Protestants, she felt she had to do penitence.  She asked to be buried in the pathway that lead to the Protestant church.  Each year flowers are placed on her grave, though it is not marked.



Somewhere under the brick is the gravesite of Cornelia Arents.


 In 1671, an offical house chapel was opened in two connecting homes. It was called "The Chapel".
The order continued even though the Protestants  had took over Amsterdam.  The last Begijn died in 1971.



Inside this door is a beautiful chapel.  See video.



Between 1980-87 on the Begijnhof houses.  Princess Juliana, of the Dutch Royal Family formally and legally handed over the courtyard and its homes to the Begijnhof Foundation.  

Currently, 93 senior citizen women live in the Begijnhof.

Statue of a Beguine.

Religious pictures carved into a wall.

Can't get this pictue uploaded.

Detail of a rooftop.

The black house is one of the homes that still stands from the 1400's.



Behind these gates is the outside world of Amsterdam.