DORDRECHT

     Dordrecht is a really old city that grew wealthy on its position at a river confluence with important commercial, military and private boat building. It held significant regional and international importance, hosting the 'Synod of Dordrecht' and other important religious meetings.

     It escaped much of the widespread destruction of the second world war. Consequently, it is brimming with interesting old architecture and displays an old-time sense of wealth that belies the peaceful and laid back character of its modern-day economic relaxation. The locals are educated and generally proud of their city, which is the sort of place to wander around and explore leisurely, rather than rushing in and out.

De Grote Kerk

      The Gothic Big Church is the third biggest one in the Netherlands, and the tower is about 75 meters high (about 250 feet) and never finished. The dome-vault of the Big Church is the only one in The Netherlands fully made of stone.
     The Tower of the Big Church was build about 1182. A few centuries ago, the size of the church's tower was an indication of the city's wealth. Dordrecht was a fabulously wealthy city, but the tower was never finished:
     Dordrecht's position in between rivers made the ground very wet and spongy, and unable to support a structure so high. The tower started leaning over 2,5 meters, which it still visible right now. The famous Big Church also has the largest Carillon of Europe.
     Visit: Climb the tower every day from 10:30 AM till 4:30 PM Price: €1 

Damiatebrug

      The Damiatebrug, crossing the Wolwevershaven, was constructed in 1854/1855. The Damiatebrug was original a combination of easy to molded cast iron and beaten iron. Two weeks after having been opened the bridge collapsed. It was replaced by a design of wrought iron.
      The bridge is nowadays a monument and a tourist attraction. A hydraulic system has replaced the original hand operated system.  

  

Museum 't Zeepaert

 

     't Zeepaert is a large, late medieval house. In the last recent years the building was renovated by the owner. It consists of a front and aft house, with a well know history. Built at the end of the 15th century, parts remain from an earlier building dating back from around 1300.

     ’t Zeepaert is has a unique appearance, due to it's high gothic facade well decorated. 't Zeepaert was formerly occupied by soap boilers, beer brewers, bakers and printers. The building is used by the city for meetings and cultural activities.

Castle Crabbehof

     Castle Crabbehof, located at walking distance from train station Dordrecht Zuid. Is worth a visit. The castle was first being recorded in documents originating from 1628. In 1808 a fire destroyed most and it was rebuild in a different style. In 1913 the building was restored in the present form. Since 2004 it is once again a private building after being used as a conference building. This monument is normally not open for public visits, unless otherwise being indicated. The restaurant "de Hoff'nar" is located on the castles ground.

Simon van Gijn Museum

 

     This Museum is the old house of banker and art collector Simon van Gijn. Walking trough this house gives you an impression of the way of living of the rich, in the 19th century. Walking trough this big house was kind of scary for me. Probably because many of ghosthouses I visited looked like it. It's got a very dull smell. After all it really was very impressing! All the rooms are intact, and you can also view his collection of art and toys. Entrance is 6 Euro's  

Groothoofd

 

     The 'Groothoofd' is a famous historic area of Dordrecht. For centuries, this was the place foreigners and royalties came to land. When visiting Dordrecht, you really have to come sit here and enjoy the view of 3 big rivers coming together. The view also was inspirational for many painters and poetry writers.

Het Hof - the cradle of the Netherlands

      Het Hof is a small complex dating back to the 13th century. It became famous as the place where the representatives of the free cities of Holland and Zeeland came together to organize the revolution against Spain and free the land from the Duke of Alva. It was also here where William of Orange was confirmed as stadhouder of the Netherlands.

     In the 1960s, the city of Dordrecht decided to demolish het hof, but it was saved thanks to an initiative. Now it is a nice place to visit and to see an important part of dutch history.