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Offered languages
- English
- Dutch
Explore the serene hofjes of Haarlem, the city's hidden courtyards that once served as almshouses, offering a glimpse into its compassionate past. This interactive walking tour invites friends and families to navigate through 16 unique stops, solving quizzes and uncovering fascinating stories at each location. With GPS-guided navigation, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through these peaceful oases, engaging with the rich history and architecture of Haarlem. Perfect for team outings and casual explorers, this tour provides lifetime access, ensuring you can revisit these gems anytime.
- Discover the secret courtyards of Haarlem on a self-guided tour
- Navigate through 16 stops with GPS-guided routes and interactive quizzes
- Learn fascinating stories about the history and architecture of each hofje
- Ideal for friends, families, and team outings, with lifetime access included
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This is a self-guided tour you will receive an invite email for the tour
Itinerary
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1
The current hofje was built in 1787 from the legacy of Pieter Teyler van der Hulst, just like the Teylers Museum close to it. Pieter Teyler van der Hulst founded a hofje when his wife died in 1752 and he then purchased the Kolder hofje. That hofje was considerably renovated during his lifetime, but he found it still needed improvements for the residents. In his will he stipulated that a new hofje should be built in his name and the old hofje premises sold (and the premises were then sold to the oldest surviving hofje foundation in Haarlem, the 'Vrouwe- en Antonie Gasthuys'). The "new" hofje is by far the most impressive and imposing hofje in Haarlem.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
The Hofje was founded by the Haarlem Guild of Beer brewers, one of the most powerful guilds in Haarlem. It was initially named the St. Maartenshofje after the patron saint of the brewers.[1] It was intended as a charitable home for 22 poor people ("rechte arme huyszitten") who worked in the brewing industry. The Brewer's guild used the money for the hofje from a donation it received in 1472 by Jacob Huyge Roepersz and his sister Katharina, who donated a series of small houses (kameren) in the Gasthuisstraat (the Tuchthuisstraat used to be a northern extension of the Gasthuisstraat) for housing, and some land in Akersloot for rents. The donation made the requirement that the houses needed to be rebuilt if they were damaged by fire or any other reason.
7 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Hofje van Bakenes
The hofje was founded from the legacy of Dirck van Bakenes (or Dirc van Bakenesse) in 1395. This makes it the oldest hofje in the Netherlands. The earliest mention of it in town records is from the History of Haarlem by Samuel Ampzing in 1628, who claims to have copied the stichtingsbrief or letter of foundation (since lost).
7 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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