Annaschnitfink's Fotothing

Holland - Haarlem - Hofjes - Hofje van Bakenes 1395 - Photo 10
The oldest Haarlemmer Hofje
Detail of door bolts
In the larger and older cities of the Netherlands you will find a special way of housing for elderly people, the so called 'hofjes', founded by wealthy (mainly childless) people who wanted their family name to live on through this work of charity. The small individual houses are mainly situated around a courtyard, = 'hofje'.