Be surprised for the first or second time by the treasures of Dordrecht. What could be more delightful than to go out on a beautiful autumn day and enjoy the splendor of colors this season brings? You can go into nature, of course, but the historic city center also comes into its own beautifully in the fall.
And there is still so much to discover, even if you already know Dordrecht like the back of your hand.
(Re)discovering Dordrecht
Especially for residents and visitors of Dordrecht who want to (re)discover the city, there is now a walk that leads you along the rich history and treasures of Dordrecht. Here you can find this beautiful autumn route with background information about each 'treasure'. Through the site you can easily walk the route. A round trip of about 4.5 kilometers that starts and ends at VVV Dordrecht (Spuiboulevard 99). 'It is just another route that you would walk yourself when doing a tour of the city,' says Merel van der Spiegel of Dordrecht Marketing & Partners. 'There are so many authentic places that have not yet been discovered by many residents and of which we do not yet know the background stories. This walk will make you think about them for the first time or again.'
Leafy beauty in the court
The first treasure is the Arend Maartenshof. As a Dordrian, you have probably driven past it many times, but perhaps never or only once gone inside. In autumn this courtyard is perhaps at its most beautiful because of the colorful foliage that has fluttered down from the large sycamores into the courtyard. The perfect season to learn more about this poor women's court founded in 1625. ' During the route you will read in short the stories behind the special places and especially what to look out for at the various treasures.'
The most beautiful photo spots
Six beautiful photogenic spots of Dordrecht are also highlighted here. 'Such as the view of the Grote Kerk from the Aardappelmarkt and the view of the Voorstraathaven from the bridge near the Stadhuisplein. Here the autumn light, the autumn colors and the distinctive painting of the five famous Dordrecht men come together very nicely,' says Merel. 'Floor stickers on the walking route indicate these fun photo spots. Whether you take a selfie with your friends or a cozy family photo, these photogenic spots will make a great picture anyway.'
Historical facts
And have you noticed those little bronze stones placed here and there around town? They are Stolpersteine that commemorate Jewish fellow townspeople who were deported to concentration camps during World War II. During the walk you'll pause and learn more about the names engraved on them. Curious why Dordrecht's narrowest street was named Zakkendragersstraat? After walking this mapped-out route, you will be able to talk about this too.
Autumn suits Dordrecht !
Of course, you can walk the route at any time and in any season, but according to Merel, autumn is surely the best season to discover Dordrecht's treasures for the first or second time. 'The beautiful autumn colors give the city just that little bit of extra atmosphere.'
