Discover the cultural Mondriaankwartier

You can get great shopping and dangerously good food in Amersfoort. But it is also a historic city. And that can be seen in almost every street. Take the Mondriaankwartier for example. Here, in addition to the iconic Mondrian House, you'll find a host of historical treasures. From stately buildings, to small works of art hidden in quay walls to a medieval street. Will you join us on an exploration?

_{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}

National monument the Vismarkt (1657) can be found at the intersection Kortegracht, Langegracht and Langestraat. Once this spot on the bridge was called "Place." But actually it is a hall, with a roof placed on wooden columns and hardstone fish benches below. Today, by the way, it has bluestone columns, which come from the benches of the Vishal in Haarlem. In 1856, our fish market was moved to the Lieve Vrouwekerkhof. In 1987, the market hall was temporarily stored, 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 Kortegracht, look down at the quay walls. There you will discover beautiful water spouts created by artist Ton Mooij. These special water spouts are not just for decoration, but also play a role in drainage. In addition, they have a symbolic meaning: they refer to the building they belong where.

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.

Monumental building Huis Tinnenburg, aka Groot Tinnenburg has an imposing stepped gable. It was probably - after Amersfoort received city rights in 1259 - included in the city wall as a fortification. Not necessarily against outside attackers. No, mainly 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 House Tinnenburg still stands, as a silent witness from days 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?