Dordrecht – city full of history
In the 14th century it was the most important trading town of Holland, which is still witnessed by the great number of historic and monumental warehouses standing along the canals and harbours in the city centre.
In 1572 William of Orange was elected to become the first “Stadtholder” (Governor), which started the route to the independent Netherlands in the Hof where King William Alexander was to celebrate his first new-style King’s Day.
The Grote Kerk (at the end of the Grotekerksbuurt) with its striking leaning tower is certainly worth a visit. During the build the master builder had to make a change of plans, because the tower started to lean. The steeple he had in mind, was not built. When covid regulations allow, climbing the 275 steps of the tower is more than worthwhile.
On the other end of the Grotekerksbuurt is Dordrecht City Hall: the 19th century façade hides a medieval secret – a wooden roof and cellars with cross vaults. You can visit the hunting room, old prison cells and the wedding hall.
Groothoofd offers spectacular views of the busiest crossing of three rivers in Europe.
Dordrechts Museum, Huis Van Gijn and the National Education Museum are at a walking distance from our premises.
Are you fond of sauntering through the city and looking at the shops? This can easily be done in Dordrecht. There are real Dordrecht specialty shops (e.g. Rutte’s distillery), numerous nice places to have a coffee, craft shops, antique and bric-a- brac shops (some 50 of which will also be open on the first Sunday of every month for the so called art tour of Dordrecht).
The island of Dordrecht is surrounded by water. The island and the Biesbosch originated during the 1421 St Elisabeth’s Flood. The Biesbosch is an area of outstanding natural beauty, harbouring beavers and ospreys. (www.np-debiesbosch.nl) Taking the ferry at Kop van’t Land you can reach the Biesbosch Museum Island in Werkendam. (www.biesboschmuseumeiland.nl)
Kinderdijk (www.kinderdijk.nl) with its many windmills is a UNESCO world heritage site and like Rotterdam and the Biesbosch it can be reached by waterbus. Take a short walk to the stop and you can board the ferry.
It is even possible to look at the inner city from the water, from one of the tour boats navigating the historic canals and harbours.
The city centre has a great many international restaurants and lunchrooms with outside terraces. During your wanderings you will surely come across them and you will be able to enjoy refreshments inside or on one of the many terraces. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can enjoy nice and fresh food on the weekly market.
Would you rather go on a bike? There are various cycling routes connecting the city centre with the Biesbosch and Kinderdijk: Killing three! birds with one stone.
www.indordrecht.nl is a great source of information about what to do, where to eat and drink, and about sights you should not miss when visiting Dordrecht.
For timetables and rates for the water ferry look up www.waterbus.nl (also in English).
