Willem Vroesenhuis, Historical almshouse in Gouda, Netherlands
The Willem Vroesenhuis is a historic residence for elderly men with a rectangular structure and plastered facades throughout the building. It features an ornate entrance gate on Spieringstraat and Empire-style windows that face onto Willem Vroesenplein.
Willem Vroesen established this residence in 1555 to house poor elderly men over fifty years old in Gouda. The building became an important institution of social care in the city over the following centuries.
The entrance frieze from 1614 shows three regents caring for five elderly men, making visible the building's purpose of providing shelter for those in need. This sculptural scene tells the story of compassion that defined the place's role in the community.
The complex can be viewed from outside and contains 13 residential units and 5 additional housing spaces arranged around a central courtyard. Access is through a small gate near Spieringstraat 2, where you can walk through and observe the layout.
A sculpture called 'Willem' stands in the courtyard, created in 2017 from the trunk of a large tree that once grew on this very spot. This artwork connects the site's past with its present in an unexpected way.
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