AMERSFOORT
The iconic Koppelpoort serves as a testament
Amersfoort stands as a captivating blend of history and modernity. This picturesque city, with its cobblestone streets and enchanting canals, transports visitors back in time while offering all the amenities of a contemporary urban center.
Steeped in medieval charm, Amersfoort boasts an array of well-preserved historic sites. The iconic Koppelpoort, a 14th-century gatehouse, serves as a testament to the city’s past as a fortified settlement. Stroll through the city center to discover beautifully preserved merchant houses and the striking Onze-Lieve-Vrouwetoren, a church tower that offers panoramic views of the city.
Despite its rich history, Amersfoort is far from a mere relic. The city buzzes with cultural vibrancy, boasting art galleries, museums, and modern architectural wonders. The Mondriaanhuis, a museum dedicated to the renowned artist Piet Mondrian, showcases both his life and work.
Amersfoort’s modernity is also evident in its culinary scene, where traditional Dutch dishes harmoniously blend with international influences. Quaint cafes, trendy restaurants, and bustling markets offer a feast for the senses.
As the sun sets, Amersfoort’s ambiance shifts seamlessly from day to night, with vibrant nightlife options to suit every taste. Whether it’s enjoying a drink by the canal, catching a live performance, or exploring the city’s hidden gems, there’s something for everyone.
Amersfoort stands as a living testament to the Netherlands’ ability to gracefully merge its rich history with contemporary life. This charming city beckons travelers to explore its winding streets, absorb its culture, and revel in its distinctive atmosphere.
Amersfoort, offers a plethora of cultural and historical attractions, and a walking tour is the best way to explore it all.
The tour will take you through the charming narrow streets and quaint courtyards, revealing the hidden gems of the city along the way. You can start your tour from the central Brink square, which is home to a number of popular cafes, restaurants, and shops.
As you explore further, you will discover the iconic Onze Lieve Vrouwe Tower, one of the tallest church towers in the country, and the beautiful Koppelpoort gate, which dates back to the 15th century. Another attraction worth visiting is the Museum Flehite, a museum dedicated to the city’s rich history and culture.
The walking tour of Amersfoort will introduce you to the city’s rich cultural heritage, as well as its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and bustling markets. It’s the perfect way to soak up the local sights and sounds, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this charming city.
birthplace of Piet Mondrian
Piet Mondrian was born on March 7, 1872, in Amersfoort.
Amersfoort is located in the center of the country and has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. In the early 20th century, it was a prosperous industrial center known for its textiles and dairy products.
Mondrian grew up in a middle-class family and showed an early interest in art. He studied at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten in Amsterdam and later moved to Paris, where he became involved with the avant-garde art movements of the time.
Although he spent much of his adult life abroad, Mondrian never forgot his Dutch heritage and continued to incorporate elements of Dutch culture into his work. Today, Amersfoort is proud to claim Mondrian as one of its own and celebrates his legacy with a museum and other cultural attractions.
The Koppelpoort is a medieval gate
The Koppelpoort is a medieval gate in the Dutch city of Amersfoort, province of Utrecht.
Completed around 1425, it combines land and water-gates, and is part of the second city wall of Amersfoort, which was constructed between 1380 and 1450. The gate was opened and closed every day by wheel turners. The wheel turners (minimum 12 people) were picked up in the morning and evening, by several guards. It was a very dangerous job: If they didn’t start walking at the same time, one could fall, and drag the rest along, with sometimes fatal results. Before the shot could go down, it had to go up first, to remove the iron pins that were in it. Only then could it go down. As the shot goes down, walking in the wheel becomes easier and faster, many people tripped and broke limbs.
onze lieve vrouwetoren
The miracle of Amersfoort’ was the reason for the construction of the almost 100-metre-high Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren. Construction commenced after 1444 and was completed around 1500. The tower is said to symbolize the Mother of God, and the small corner turret the ChristChild. Inside the tower there are currently two carillons which can both be played, the only tower in the world to have such a feature. Incidentally, the tower has been used as the middle point of the Dutch grid reference system.
From April up to the end of October it is possible to climb the 346 steps and enjoy the view over the city and the surroundings with a guided tour. On a clear day you can see Utrecht and when you are lucky even Amsterdam! During the climb your guide will share many stories and legends about the tower and the city.
st joris church
St Joris Church, located in the Dutch city of Amersfoort, is a beautiful example of Dutch Gothic architecture.
Originally built in the 13th century, the church has undergone many renovations and restorations throughout its history. The most recent renovation took place in the 1970s, where the interior was restored to its original Gothic style.
The church is known for its stunning stained glass windows, which date back to the early 1500s. They tell stories of the life of Jesus and are considered some of the finest examples of Renaissance stained glass in the Netherlands. There are also several impressive tombs and monuments within the church, including the tomb of Johan van Oldenbarneveldt, a prominent Dutch statesman who was executed in 1619.
St Joris Church is an important part of the cultural heritage of Amersfoort and continues to be a popular destination for visitors to the city.
The coat of arms of Amersfoort was confirmed in use by the Supreme Council of Nobility on 11 September 1816. This means that the municipality of Amersfoort already officially used the coat of arms as a coat of arms before 1816. As a result of the confirmation, the municipal coat of arms was not granted, but rather recognized. Although the municipality had a merger in 1974, neither the coat of arms nor the description of the coat of arms have been adapted to the new municipality. Since its award in 1816, the coat of arms has the following blazoning: Of silver with a cross of throat; The coat of arms covered with a crown with 5 fleurons, all of gold and held from either side by a climbing lion in its natural color. The coat of arms is silver with a red cross on it. On the shield is placed a crown similar to that of a margrave: 5 leaves. On either side of the shield is a shield holder in the shape of a climbing lion of natural color: brown fur, black or gray nails and a red tongue.
shopping street
One of the best places to shop in Amersfoort is the main shopping street, which is called Langestraat. This pedestrian-only street is lined with a wide range of shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. Some of the popular shops on Langestraat include Hema, Zara, and Vero Moda, as well as several local shops that specialize in unique and handmade items. There are also plenty of places to stop for a snack or coffee, including Bagels & Beans and Anne & Max. Whether you’re looking for fashion, home goods, or souvenirs, Langestraat is definitely the place to shop in Amersfoort.
