Amsterdam,
Wednesday 22 May 2013 -
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Béguinage
A haven of peace which was formerly monastic.
It's perfectly possible to pass through Spui Square a hundred times without noticing this small carriage porch on top of which is the effigy ofSaint Ursula! Make sure you go through: it will take you to the Begijnhof, a former convent from the beginning of the 20th century that has today been converted into a residential building.
This almost unreal haven of peace groups together really tiny houses around a large courtyard with an immaculately maintained lawn.
A church and a chapel give it the feel of a wealthy village.
The Beguines (Catholic order) did not take any vows but led a monastic life, devoted to looking after the elderly.
Leisure activities
Shops, boutiques and malls