Inner courts (hofjes)
Discover a real Alkmaar Treasure: hofjes. A hofje is a historic small inner courtyard surrounded by houses. This page explains more about the famous courtyards that can still be found through Alkmaar.
Discover a real Alkmaar Treasure: hofjes. A hofje is a historic small inner courtyard surrounded by houses. This page explains more about the famous courtyards that can still be found through Alkmaar.
If you are in Alkmaar, then you certainly should not skip the inner courts or courtyards. Alkmaar once had no fewer than sixteen courtyards. There are now six. The ‘provenhuizen’, as the courtyards in Alkmaar are called, are oases of tranquillity, hidden behind gates and impressive facades.
In the Sonoy courtyard, you can enjoy one of the terraces, or browse through the little boutique shops. Residents still live at the other courtyards.
Visiting a courtyard? The following are open for viewing:
- The Hofje van Splinter (from 1646) on the Ritsevoort
- The Wildemanshofje (from 1714) on the Oudegracht
- The Huis van Zessen (from 1510) on the Schoutenstraat
- The Provenhuis Paling en Van Foreest (from 1540) on the Zevenhuizen
- The Doopsgezinde Hofje (from 1617) on the Koningsweg
- The Huis van Achten (from 1657) on the Lombardsteeg
- Provenhuis Bijlevelt (from 1668) on the Doelenstraat