Begijnhof

… differs from the usual Amsterdam patricians’ court in that this old people’s home was not founded by private persons. It bore closer resemblance to a convent, although the beguines enjoyed greater freedom than nuns in a convent. While beguines took a vow of chastity, and considered themselves obliged to attend Holy Mass every day, they were free to leave the court at any time in order to get married.

2017