Hofje van Gratie, Residential almshouse in Delft, Netherlands
The Hofje van Gratie is a residential almshouse in Delft containing seven small dwellings under one continuous gabled roof, each with its own entrance facing the street. The homes share kitchen and washing areas in a gallery at the rear, while the front facades open toward Van der Mastenstraat.
The almshouse was founded in 1571 by Mayor Pieter Sasbout and originally stood elsewhere in the city. Following the gunpowder explosion of 1654, it relocated to its present location in 1660 and has remained there since.
The residential community reflects how elderly people found support by living together in a shared space designed for mutual care. The arrangement shows how social assistance was woven directly into city life.
The courtyard is open and allows visitors to view the entire ensemble from the outside. The narrow, historic street in front limits how much of the front facades you can take in at once.
The central houses display preserved coats of arms honoring past benefactors who supported the community. These heraldic symbols remain as quiet reminders of the donors whose contributions made this place possible.
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