Travel Guide to Amersfoort, Netherlands

A wonderful ancient city, Amersfoort is full of medieval era sights that are still in great condition. Its territory attracted first citizens yet in the 10th century, but it was only the 13th century when this place got the status of a city and the name Amersfoort.

Today only ruins of the ancient fortress wall remind of the old city. The length of this wall estimated 1.5 km and it was surrounded by deep ditches that later were turned into canals. Because of this today travellers can rent a boat or a cutter and make a ride along city walls.

A huge stone is considered one of the most notable sights of Amersfoort. An interesting legend is connected with this stone. In 1661 locals made a dispute, according to which they were obliged to drag a huge stone to the center of the city. Over 4 hundreds of people were participating in this dispute and so they managed to deliver the stone to Amersfoort. The stone was installed on the central square, however, this was quite uncomfortable and many citizens complained. In the end the stone was dug into the ground and it laid there until 1903, when it was found by a group of archeologists. They quickly proclaimed the stone one of the most important symbols of Amersfoort and put it on a pedestal.

Another symbol of the city is Toren tower, which is 94 meters tall. Actually, the tower is just a part of a magnificent architectural complex and the most beautiful church in whole Holland has been built here. However, the church’s basement was used to store gunpowder, which exploded in 1787. Only tower managed to survive. In this tower you can find a belfry with 30 bells and several valuable icons. Among other famous medieval buildings should be mentioned Sint-Joris kerk and the Koppelpoort, or you may like to visit the local zoo – DierenPark Amersfoort.