Discover the cultural Mondriaankwartier

Reading Time: 2 minutes | Last updated: 18 August 2025 |Author: Christel Rengers |

Amersfoort is a great place to shop and the food is dangerously delicious. But it’s also a historic city—and you can see that in almost every street. Take the Mondriaankwartier, for example. Here, in addition to the iconic Mondrian House, you’ll find a wealth of historical treasures—from stately buildings to small works of art tucked away in quay walls, all the way to a medieval street. Are you ready to explore?

_{Address: Kortegracht 11}

We begin at the Mondrian House, the birthplace of artist Piet Mondriaan (1872-1944). After the Mondriaan family left, it fell into oblivion that such an extraordinary artist had once lived here. That changed when the building was transformed into the Mondrian House and opened to the public. Since then, everyone can get to know better the man behind the abstract forms and primary colors. In 2022 we celebrated Mondriaan's 150th birthday in Amersfoort and all of Amersfoort colored red, yellow and blue!

_{Address: Kortegracht 1}

The Vismarkt (1657), a national monument, is located at the intersection of Kortegracht, Langegracht, and Langestraat. This spot on the bridge was once called “Plaats.” But it is actually a hall, with a roof supported by wooden columns and bluestone fish stalls beneath it. Today, it features bluestone columns, the bases of which come from the fish market in Haarlem. In 1856, our fish market was moved to the Lieve Vrouwekerkhof. In 1987, the market hall was temporarily stored away, only to be returned to its current location in 1988.

A sad fact: in 1651, one Hendricx Leydecker caught an eagle (or possibly a red kite - there is disagreement about that) and donated it to the city of Amersfoort. The majestic bird was housed in a so-called huysgen (read: cage) on the Vismarkt. Presumably it functioned as a cleaner of fish waste after the market. Pathetic, isn't it?

As you walk along the Kortegracht , take a moment to look down at the quay walls. There you’ll discover beautiful water spouts created by artist Ton Mooij. These unique water spout sculptures aren’t just for decoration; they also play a role in drainage. They also have symbolic meaning: they refer to the building where they belong.

On Kortegracht you will find the Juffergat (No. 21), the Rabbi (near the synagoge) and the Children's Pram (near the Mondrian House), among others. But there are many more gargoyles scattered throughout Amersfoort. During a boat trip with the Waterline you can admire them all and discover the stories behind them.

The historic Huis Tinnenburg, also known as Groot Tinnenburg, features an imposing stepped gable. It was likely incorporated into the city wall as a fortification after Amersfoort was granted city rights in 1259. Not necessarily to defend against external attackers. No, it was primarily intended as a defense against the water from the Heiligenbergerbeek. With the construction of de Monnikendam, the water gate at Tinnenburg became obsolete and was demolished. But Huis Tinnenburg still stands there, a silent witness to times gone by.

Muurhuizen is probably the most famous historic street in Amersfoort. Although street? Feel free to call it a street! The houses together form a large circle along the canals. The medieval wall houses were built around 1500 with the material from the old city wall, which was demolished around 1380 to expand the city. The houses are authentic, all different and kei-cute to see. Fat tip: starting in spring, the many façade gardens that wall houses have are in full bloom.

Apart from special pieces of Amersfoort history, you can also dogreat shopping with girlfriends,have a nice lunch and taste divine chocolate in the Mondriaankwartier. Will you come and have a look too?