Heilige Geesthofje, Naaldwijk, Historical almshouse complex in Naaldwijk, Netherlands.
Heilige Geesthofje is a late-medieval residential complex in Naaldwijk with twenty identical gable houses arranged symmetrically on both sides of a central chapel. The buildings feature colorful brick patterns and are organized around a closed courtyard.
The complex was founded in 1496 by Hendrik van Naaldwijk and expanded between 1627 and 1636 under Prince Frederik Hendrik to add fifteen more residences. This expansion transformed it into a larger shelter for people in need.
The chapel at the center served as a synagogue between 1807 and 1920, showing how the community of this place evolved over centuries. You can still sense this layered history when walking through the courtyard today.
The complex is a residential area with private homes, so visitors should be respectful and quiet while respecting residents' privacy. It is best to visit the courtyard early in the day or during quieter times to enjoy the architecture undisturbed.
Original features remain inside the houses, including spiral staircases and traditional wall cupboards with built-in sleeping alcoves. These details show how limited living space was in these historical homes.
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