600 Years of the Elizabeth Flood, a theme year full of special, inspiring and exciting activities. The theme year will run from May 2021 to September 2022.
Fate struck exactly 600 years ago. In 1421, the dikes of the Groote or Hollandsche Waard breached. The Sint Elisabethsvloed flooded a vast area around Dordrecht. The city was spared by the force of nature. Flooded areas only dried up years later, changing the landscape. Creeks, rushes and reed beds formed in the area that later became known as Biesbosch: the largest freshwater tidal area in Europe.
The night of Nov. 18, 1421
The night November 18, 1421: a raging storm broke the dikes and caused one of the worst floods in national history: The Sint Elisabethflood. People died, villages drowned, the Biesbosch was formed.
A disaster from 600 years ago, but more topical than ever. For the water is coming again, due to the global climate crisis. How will we keep dry feet this time? What have we learned from back then?
The website 600 years of Saint Elizabeth's flood
Because of the theme year from May 2021 to September 2022, a special theme website www.600jaarelisabethsvloed.nl has been created. Want to know more about the disaster and the story behind it and its consequences? The storm had disastrous consequences that caused entire villages to disappear and new natural areas to be created. Read more about the water then and now because the water is coming "again. You will also find which publications and books have been published about the disaster and interesting places to visit.
Save Dordrecht from flooding
With savethecity.app you experience Dordrecht as one big escape room. With your mobile in your hand, you experience an exciting adventure in which you travel through time. At various locations, you will learn more about the history of Dordrecht and its eternal battle with the water: from the Sint Elisabethflood to the future.
Elisabeth will take you by the hand on your quest. But we need you to solve the mysteries. Can you work with Elisabeth and your friends to save Dordrecht from another flood.
