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Historic courtyard · Haarlem, Holanda Setentrional
Hofje van Bakenes
The oldest of Haarlem's hofjes — charitable courtyard complexes hidden behind gates in the city centre; the city still has more than twenty.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Hofje van Bakenes
Hofjes are groups of small houses around a garden courtyard, founded between the 12th and 19th centuries by churches, guilds and wealthy families to house poor people, usually elderly women. Haarlem once had over 40; more than 20 still stand in the centre, with access through a discreet gate on the street.
The Hofje van Bakenes is the oldest surviving hofje in the city. It was founded in 1395 by the wishes of the merchant Dirck van Bakenes; the present houses date from the mid-17th century. The plaque at the entrance bears a rhyming riddle: the count can give 60, the minimum age to live there, or 20, the number of residents.
Near the Grote Markt there are other hofjes, such as the Proveniershof on Grote Houtstraat, which occupies the site of a convent and has a 16th-century gate, and the Hofje van Loo. The Teylers Hofje, on the banks of the Spaarne, was created by the same foundation as the museum.
The houses are still inhabited today. The courtyards open to the public usually receive visitors during the day and ask for silence.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 10 to 15 minutes at each hofje; a walk visiting several takes around 1 hour.
Best time
During daytime on weekdays. Gates typically close at night and on some Sundays; respect the notices at the entrance.
How to get there
The Hofje van Bakenes lies between the Bakenessergracht and the Wijde Appelaarsteeg, about a five-minute walk from the Grote Markt.
Tip
Speak quietly, do not enter the houses or photograph the residents. If a gate is closed, move on to the next hofje: there are several just minutes away.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Hofje van Bakenes
What is a hofje?
It's a group of small houses around a courtyard with a garden, created as charitable housing, usually for elderly women. Many are still inhabited.
Can hofjes be visited?
Several allow visitors to enter during the day, requesting silence. Others remain closed. Respect the notices at the entrance.
Which is the oldest hofje in Haarlem?
The Hofje van Bakenes, founded in 1395.