Sint-Andrieshofje

The Sint-Andrieshofje is one of the most beautiful hidden spots of the Jordaan. Behind a modest entrance gate on the Egelantiersgracht hides a quiet courtyard with characteristic little houses, an old water pump and a serene atmosphere that contrasts strongly with the liveliness of the city. The hofje was founded in 1614 and completed in 1617 as a residence for poor Roman Catholic women. This makes it, after the Begijnhof, the oldest surviving hofje of Amsterdam. Over the centuries it has been carefully preserved and people still live there. Anyone who visits the hofje is asked to respect the peace of the residents – it is precisely that silence that makes this place so special.
Where does the name come from?
The name Sint-Andrieshofje does not come from the apostle Andrew, but from the house ‘In Sint Andries’ on the Nieuwendijk, which was owned by Jan Jansz. Oly. He donated the land on which the hofje was built, after which the new hofje was given the name of his house.
Fun fact
If you walk through the tiled little passage inside, you come out onto an idyllic courtyard with an 18th-century water pump that still stands there. Originally 66 women lived here, spread over 36 small dwellings. Today the dwellings have been merged, but the historic layout of the hofje has been remarkably well preserved.