Hofje Explained

A (diminutive of 'hof', 'court') is a Dutch word for a courtyard with almshouses around it. have existed since the Middle Ages.

A provided housing for elderly people (mostly women). They were privately funded, and served as a form of social security. In the Netherlands there are still a number of in use.

are usually built in a U-shape with a yard or garden in the middle, and a gate as entrance. The shape of was most likely inspired by the (older) Begijnenhofjes—groups of small houses inhabited exclusively by religious women.

A distinction is usually made between the Begijnenhofjes and 'regular' . The former were used only by (Catholic) women, who were supporting themselves. They were a kind of cloister. The latter were more charitable institutions. To be eligible to live in a one had to meet four criteria:

1. Sex: almost all were founded for women, as they could be relied on to keep a household running; although for men and married couples did exist
2. Religion: many were founded for people of the same faith as the founder (some were founded by church communities)
3. Age: from the 17th century a minimum age was often used. Fifty years was common, and this was an old age in those years
4. Social-economic background: were targeted for poorer people

In the 18th century some were founded for commercial purposes; the inhabitants would pay rent.

The "Hofje van Mevrouw Van Aerden" in Leerdam is open to visitors as a museum.

Cities with many in the Netherlands include:

• Alkmaar
• Amsterdam
• Delft
• The Hague
• Groningen
• Haarlem (see Hofjes in Haarlem)
• Leiden
• Utrecht

External links

• Introduction to the history of hofjes
• Museum Hofje van Mevrouw Van Aerden
• Video tour of Haarlem's Hofjes
• A map to the Hofjes in Amsterdam