BURGERWEESHUIS

The Maria Monastery, founded in the early 15th century, originally stood on the location of the former Burgerweeshuis. In 1572, Hoorn converted to the Reformed faith and the Catholic Marian Monastery lost its function. In 1574, the monastery buildings were put into use as an orphanage for Protestant orphans whose parents came from Hoorn. If one of the parents was not from Hoorn, they were placed in the poorhouse.
The main building was completely renovated in 1729 and only the entrance gate with sculpted creatures added later to the original building still remains.
The Orphanage closed its doors in 1958, after more than 380 years of service. The building has now been restored and a total of eight apartments have been built.
Behind the orphanage is a large, enclosed courtyard that is not visible from the street, the Orphanage Garden. This is publicly accessible. There are several monuments that can be viewed from the garden, such as the water pump, the Lady Chapel, the Orphanage and the Water Gate.

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