Hofjes

A hofje is a Dutch form of charitable housing, typically a rectangular courtyard surrounded by a ring of small houses that face the center. Built to provide housing for elderly and poor women, a hofje is usually funded by a bequest or endowment and governed by a regent or foundation.

Hofjes emerged in the Low Countries from the late Middle Ages onward, flourishing in cities such as Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden and Utrecht. They were often funded by wealthy citizens, guilds, or religious groups as acts of philanthropy and social welfare, intended to offer affordable housing and modest support with religious or moral guidelines.

Architecturally, hofjes are characterized by a central courtyard, often with a gatehouse, a well, and a row of small, uniform dwellings. The openings faced the courtyard rather than the street, creating a secluded interior community. Styles range from medieval to Baroque and later revival periods.

Residents were typically older women, widows, or paupers who met the eligibility rules set by the hofje's trustees. Living arrangements were usually lifelong; tenants paid a small rent or performed a minor service in exchange for housing and care. Some hofjes admitted men or mixed residents in later periods.

Today, many hofjes survive as historic monuments and continue to function as housing associations or private housing. They are valued for their architecture and social history and remain a recognizable feature of Dutch urban heritage, with notable examples in Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, Dordrecht and other cities.