Founded sometime in the 14th century for the Beguines, members of a lay Catholic sisterhood, the Begijnhof is one of Amsterdam’s oldest inner courtyards — and one of the city’s best known landmarks.

Access to the private property is strictly regulated in order to maintain both the courtyard’s tranquility and the privacy of its inhabitants. »

American Book Center is the largest source of English language books in Europe »

The Amsterdam Historical Museum depicts the history and development of Amsterdam from the 13th century to the present. »