The Begijnhof (beguinage) has existed since 1267 and is one of the oldest still existing institutions in the Netherlands. 

What were Beguines?
Beguines were unmarried women who formed a community within the church but had not taken a perpetual vow. They were allowed to earn their own living, for example by running a 'crèche', caring for the sick, doing handicrafts, and praying for the deceased for payment.

History of the Begijnhof at a glance

• The Begijnhof was originally located closer to the Castle of Breda. Because Count Henrik III of Nassau wanted to expand his garden, it was moved in 1534-1535 to Catharinastraat. The Wendelinus Chapel next to the entrance of the Begijnhof was the church of the beguines before the Eighty Years' War. They had to relinquish it in 1590 to the Walloon community. The Begijnhof itself was under the protection of the Nassaus and continued to exist.
• The low houses were raised in the eighteenth century with an additional floor. This is clearly visible in the facades. 
• In the nineteenth century, when the Catholic religion was allowed to be practiced openly again, the Begijnhof revived. A new gatehouse was built, and a new church and rectory were added. There was also a second courtyard.
• The building on the left of the church was originally the so-called 'attic house', with the toilets.
• The gatehouse was replaced once more in 1980.

The current Begijnhof (beguinage)

• Beguines no longer live there (the last beguine, Sister Frijters, died in 1990), but the houses in the Begijnhof are still inhabited by single women. 
• In the former Novice House, nuns of the orders of 'Dienaressen van de Heer en de Maagd van Matará' live, better known as the Blue Nuns, due to the colour of their habit. 
• Traditions and customs from the past are still observed. For example, in the flowerbed opposite the rectory, there is a so-called witches’ ball. This mirror ball is meant to ward off demons, diseases, misfortune, and the devil. The ball remains there from the Ice Saints until All Souls' Day.

Herb garden
On the Begijnhof, you'll find an extensive herb garden. The beguines had extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs and used them often in healthcare. Did you know that in the Explore Breda Store, the Begijns Herb Garden is for sale? With it, you can grow your own herbs at home. 

Museums
At the Begijnhof, you can find two small museums. In the gatehouse, the Miniatures and Dollhouse Museum is housed.  The Begijnhof Museum in one of the houses provides insight into beguine life.

Accessibility information
The Begijnhof itself is easily accessible. Unfortunately, the two small museums located here are not wheelchair accessible.