Begijnhof, Amsterdam

The Begijnhof is an inner court consisting of 47 distinctive town houses, many dating back to the Middle Ages.  This statue represents one of the many beguines, or Catholic lay women, who were similar to nuns but took no vows and were able to leave their cloistered community and wed if they chose. When the last beguine passed away in 1971, the Begijnhof was turned into private housing.

I've added textures from Shadowhouse Creations and boccacino.