The Ruitershofje - Zutphen

In 1545, the Ruyter family built the first houses in this courtyard, which they had already bought in 1512. In 1570, they expanded the number of houses. The houses were intended for the poor in the city of Zutphen. In the facade of the gate, they built a stone recalling this initiative.

For years, this hofje remained in the possession of this family, until the third secretary of Zutphen failed in terms of maintenance. In 1784, the Sint Anthonis Groote Broederschap bought up the hofje, which, like the Ruyter family, was very concerned with the poor. They had the cottages demolished and built more modern ones back. A large plaque commemorating this conversion hangs on the wall of the complex.

Through a gate in the monumental building on Berkelsingel, you enter this beautiful courtyard, built in Dutch neo-Renaissance style. In the middle, the gabled houses are brightened up by a green lawn and a large lime tree. The Ruitershofje is listed as a national monument.