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Nederland - Amsterdam, Hofje van Brienen

A Dutch hofje is a complex of almshouses around a central courtyard. They were built since the Middle Ages as a charity to house needy or elderly men and women. Amsterdam still has about 30 hofjes; most of them can be found in or around the Jordaan neighbourhood.

Hofje van Brienen - or officially Het Brienens Gesticht de Star, was founded by Arnoud Jan van Brienen and his wife Sophia Maria Half-Wassenaar. In 1797 they commissioned the city architect of Amsterdam to design this hofje and to build it on the former location of beer brewery De Star. The aim was to provide housing for impoverished Roman Catholic men. Eventually the courtyard was built in 1803 and it was not until 1806 that the first inhabitants moved in.

Hofje van Brienen was completely renovated in 1997 and comprises 26 residential units. Nowadays they are inhabited by both married as unmarried, catholic and non-catholic inhabitants above the age of 45 years with a low income.

The hofje, being a hidden gem full with flowering and evergreen plants, can be visited for free.
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59 comments

Schussentäler said:

sehr schön,
5 years ago ( translate )

Eric Desjours said:

Charming and off the common paths and places. Nice and interesting presentation, Jaap.
5 years ago

HappySnapper said:

They look well maintained and a nice place to live, Good documentary Jaap.
5 years ago

Gudrun said:

Hoofjes are a great concept! I love the hydrangeas:-)
5 years ago

Hansruedi Voegele said:

Sehr schön!
5 years ago ( translate )

Guy Bacca (guybac) said:

Logements à caractère social dans un endroit agréable et parfaitement entretenu..... Un exemple bien montré avec de belles images
5 years ago ( translate )

Mavì said:

Ortensie bianche ... Bellissime
5 years ago ( translate )

Edward Bowthorpe said:

Lovely shot Jaap,eddie,
5 years ago ( translate )

Graham Chance said:

Excellent use of framing Jaap. Lovely hydrangeas in the foreground.
5 years ago

Joe, Son of the Rock said:

A well composed image with excellent foreground interest.
5 years ago

Madeleine Defawes said:

Very beautiful hydrangeas !
Have a nice week
5 years ago

Marie-claire Gallet said:

WOW, lovely series of pictures, Jaap !!! My favor goes to the hydrangeas that have such a marvelous colour!!!!!!
5 years ago

Ulrich John said:

Ein sehr schönes Ambiente, Jaap ! Hab ne gute Woche !
5 years ago ( translate )

Luz •.¸¸ ㋡ said:

Bom tempo esse em que as pessoas viviam a pensar nos desfavorecidos. O local é lindo e bem conservado. !
5 years ago ( translate )

Jean said:

A beautiful place to live. Surrounded by lovely plants. It looks so tranquil.
5 years ago