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City and municipality in South Holland, Netherlands
Photo: Publisher: E. E. Haagens, Dordrecht. Pratyeka, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Dordrecht is a historic city in South Holland, Netherlands that was, at the end of the Middle Ages, one of the six important trade cities of the County of Holland. Its centre still shows off the rich history of the city.
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Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk
A church in the Brabantine Gothic style with an unfinished tower. Also known as the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-Kerk ('Our Dear Lady Church') or the Grote Kerk ('Great Church') was built between 1285 and 1470. The 65-m tower contains a carillon with 67 bells including one weighing 9.83 tonnes, making it the heaviest bell in the Netherlands. Be sure you're in shape to climb the tower and not afraid of close spaces. The steps are steep and there is only one way up, or down. You can see the medieval clock in operation. In the church, see the brilliant stained glass windows and especially the modern window dedicated to the guilds of Dordrecht.
The larger synagogue of the city used to stand here, which presumably formed the centre of the local Jewish population (apparently over 300 people prior to the war), but it was heavily damaged by the Nazis, sold in 1947 and razed in 1965. Nothing remains except new buildings, which are out of character from the surrounding old architecture.
Loads of locally affiliated oil paintings, mostly pre-modern and of impressive quality. These are interspersed with occasional bits of decorative metalwork, furniture and such. A dedicated gallery houses temporary exhibitions which are often very well presented. The impressive garden outside offers a cafe/restaurant with an extensive menu.
Het Hof was an Augustinian monastery where in 1572 a notable meeting was held of representatives of the "Free States" who were revolting against King Philip II of Spain. Since 2015 it has been a museum.
Church of the Augustins
Built around 1293, it is owned by the Dutch Reformed Church. The church was part of the Augustinian Monastery Het Hof (see above).
The former house of a banker and collector Simon van Gijn.
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Second World War in or around Dordrecht, plus a large display of items such as weapons, improvised mills and cooking equipment, and variously sourced period products and ration packs. A whole section is devoted to the history of Merwestein Park (then Merwepark), which was used as a regional Nazi communications bunker. A group of older local residents act as volunteer guides. Some speak English.
Town Hall
A former city gate at the confluence of the 3 rivers: Merwede, Oude Maas and Noord.
hofjes
Almshouses were built in the 17th and 18th centuries for poor women.
Arend Maartensz Court
Another almshouse.
A cast-iron bridge over the Wijnhaven/Voorstraatshaven built in 1851.
The late 18th-century rich residence with many original period features.
Between 14th and early 19th centuries, it was a mint court of Holland and Zeeland
Built around 1495, it is one of the oldest houses in the county. Now it's a conference venue.
View over the Dike
It is the only remaining mill in the city
Merwesteinpark
19th-century park in which a building stood until its eventual destruction by Allied bombardment in 1944. The bombing was due to the Nazis developing a significant bunker system throughout the park (apparently using Jewish slaves) which they then used as an important regional military communications hub during the war. Many local citizens lost their lives in the bombing, which also killed children when an adjacent school was accidentally bombed. This history can be explored in more detail at the 1944-1945 museum: nothing of significance is displayed in the park, which today features many large trees, some sculptures (including a tall column at the former location of the building pictured), a children's play area, significant stock of waterbirds, and a reindeer enclosure.
Park and summertime music venue slightly out of town. Worth a wander.
National Park De Biesbosch
The Sliedrechtse Biesbosch, east of Dordrecht, and the Dordtse Biesbosch, south of Dordrecht, together form the Hollandse Biesbosch which is a part of the national park the Biesbosch, one of the largest national parks in the Netherlands and one of the last freshwater tide areas in Europe. The Dordtse Biesbosch has several recreational areas that are used for walking, rowing and swimming.
Breakfast & lunch, pastry & drinks, dinner.
Beren Dordrecht
Offers a huge menu with some confirmed yummy options: the goat's cheese salad, and the carrot cake.
Art-dining
Has an extensive menu and a strong wine list.
A small reasonably priced sandwich shop in the shadow of the Grote Kerk.
A charismatic bar run by a Dutch/Scottish traveller couple with a dedicated band of regular customers. Stylistically informed by the British Isles, the proprietors wish the location to remain unpublished.
Modern. The biggest drawback of this hotel is relative expense and lack of audio privacy. With only 17 rooms, the architects evidently decided to "pack 'em in", and it shows. Still, probably the best option for those minding the budget a little bit but unwilling to sleep out of town. All floors are lift-accessible. Free Wi-Fi.
Slightly outside of town, this designer hotel is something of an icon for the city. A sort of walled garden complex with a thoroughly post-modern castle tower, visitors are rewarded with views, an excellent garden restaurant, and a quaint theme of dancing rabbits presumably inspired by the neighbouring Energiehaus theatre. Accessible by city bus.
Based in a historic building from 1726, though its age doesn't show as the building has been very well maintained. The hotel is in the historic city centre and has a beautiful seating area.
Better than standard hostel fare. Clean and modern. Conexxion bus 4 from the central station. About 8 km.
NIVON huis De kleine rug
The house provides a bed living room, kitchen where you can cook and outdoor space. NIVON houses are run by volunteers. Nivon is part of Friends of Nature (international abbreviation: NFI, for German: Naturfreunde International) an international movement with a background in the social democratic movement, which aims to make the enjoyment of nature accessible to the wider community by providing appropriate recreational and travel facilities.
By boat
There is a fast ferry (waterbus) from Rotterdam, which is part of the public transport system and costs the same as the train.
By car
Two important highways go to and through Dordrecht. A16 from Rotterdam to Belgium border and N3 from Papendrecht to the A16 in Dordrecht.
While the city is small enough to walk around, if you are in a hurry or have a lot of bags, consider the frequent buses which serve the city and nearby areas.
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Rotterdam · International · RTM
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