"Godshuizen are tiny villages within the city’s ramparts. That’s how these medieval residential courts are best described. Centuries ago they were built out of mortar and charity. Today their picturesque gardens, whitewashed façades and glorious silence are the city’s havens of peace par excellence."
Basically centuries ago someone thought it was a good idea to take care of the poor, sick and elderly. So, they built houses for them and the government took care of the up-keep. Over the years the government has continued to do this (because they have a government who cares about the poor, sick and elderly) and you can see these "social housing projects" that are not slums, not dumps and are only distinguishable because they are whitewashed. They've got my mark of respect.
Some of these are really old-- 1474 and 1480!!
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