The Begijnhof in Breda was built in 1531, and was, until very recently, one of the only Hofjes in the Netherlands that was still used by Beguines (women who devote their life to prayer and serving God). The Begijnhof was recently given over to elderly women, however some of them look after the St Catherinakerk – a small 19th century chapel located at the rear of the hofje. Others still tend the herb garden which has served the hofje for several hundred years.