Provenhuis van Wildeman, Charitable housing complex from 1714 on Oudegracht, Alkmaar, Netherlands.
The Provenhuis van Wildeman is an apartment building complex from the 18th century on Oudegracht in Alkmaar with four wings arranged around a central courtyard decorated with stone sculptures. The structure features characteristic gabled roofs and continues to serve as residential units today.
A wealthy merchant named Gerrit Wildeman established this residence in his 1702 will to provide housing for 24 impoverished elderly widows of different religious backgrounds. The building was completed in 1714 and has remained a residential space ever since.
The complex reflects Dutch charitable traditions through its design with four wings surrounding a protected courtyard, a layout that allowed residents to live together and support one another. This arrangement was typical of almshouses built to care for people in need during that period.
The site is located directly on Oudegracht, one of Alkmaar's main water streets, and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors can view the courtyard and facade from outside, though it remains a private residential area and respect for residents is important.
The facade features a distinctive sandstone statue of a wild man honoring the founder's name, flanked by two female figures and ornamental stonework. This unusual decoration is a rare example of personal tribute expressed through architectural details in Alkmaar.
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