Het Houten Huys

Het Houten Huys, located at number 34 Begijnhof in Amsterdam, is one of the two oldest wooden houses still existing in the city center. This building, dated around 1528, represents a rare example of wooden architecture that survived the numerous fires that devastated Amsterdam in past centuries. Most wooden houses were demolished or rebuilt in brick after a 1521 ordinance banned the construction of wooden buildings due to the fire risk. The Begijnhof, where Het Houten Huys is located, is one of the oldest inner courtyards in Amsterdam, founded in the 14th century as a refuge for the Beguines, a community of Catholic women who lived similarly to nuns but without taking permanent monastic vows. These women dedicated their lives to prayer and caring for the sick, while maintaining a certain independence, being able to own property and leave the community to marry if they wished. The architecture of Het Houten Huys reflects the medieval style with its wooden facade and sloping roof. The house is a silent witness to the urban history of Amsterdam, offering a rare glimpse of what the city must have looked like before the introduction of brick building regulations. Inside, although not open to the public, the structure retains many of its original features, such as wooden beams and plank floors. The Begijnhof itself is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Amsterdam, surrounded by historic buildings and churches. Among these stands out the Engelse Kerk (English Church), dating back to the late 15th century, which has undergone several renovations due to fires and changes in use. Today, the Begijnhof is still inhabited, and its houses are mainly occupied by single women, respecting the centuries-old tradition of the place. During its long history, Het Houten Huys has seen the city of Amsterdam grow and transform around it. Its survival is also due to the restorations carried out over the years, the last of which dates back to 1957. These interventions have allowed the structure to be preserved and to keep intact a piece of history that would otherwise have been lost. The history of Het Houten Huys cannot be separated from the context of the Begijnhof and Amsterdam itself. The city, which was an important commercial center in the Middle Ages, has seen numerous urban and architectural changes, but few buildings have maintained their authenticity as intact as Het Houten Huys. This makes a visit to the Begijnhof not only a journey into the religious and social history of the city but also a unique opportunity to closely see an example of medieval urban architecture. Today, Het Houten Huys is admired by tourists and architectural historians for its uniqueness and historical value. The house is often the subject of studies and research aimed at better understanding medieval construction techniques and the urban evolution of Amsterdam. Its discreet charm and silent historical presence contribute to making the Begijnhof one of the most evocative and fascinating places in the city.