Dordrecht, colloquially Dordt, historically in English named Dort, is a city and municipality in the western Netherlands, located in the province of South Holland. It is the fourth largest city of the province, having a population of 118,601 in 2009. The municipality covers the entire Dordrecht Island, also often called Het Eiland van Dordt (the Island of Dordt), bordered by the rivers Oude Maas, Beneden Merwede, Nieuwe Merwede, Hollands Diep, and Dordtsche Kil. Dordrecht is the largest and most important city in the Drechtsteden and is also part of the Randstad, the main conurbation in the Netherlands. Dordrecht is the oldest city in Holland and has a rich history and culture.
Shopping in the centre of Dordrecht is centred around the Voorstraat, the Sarisgang and the Statenplein (Staten square). The Voorstraat is 1200 meter long, making it the longest shopping street in the Netherlands. Markets are held every Friday and Saturday on the Statenplein and in the Sarisgang and on Tuesday in Dubbeldam.
Because of its long and important role in Dutch history, Dordrecht has a rich culture. The medieval city centre is home to over 950 monuments. The city also houses 7 churches and 6 museums in a relatively small area and hosts many festivals and events every year.
The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-Kerk (‘Our Dear Lady Church’) or simply the Grote Kerk (‘Big Church’) was built between 1285 and 1470. The 65-meter tower contains a carillon with 67 bells including one weighing 9830 kilos, making it the heaviest bell in the Netherlands.
The Augustijnenkerk (‘Church of the Augustins’) was built around 1293 and is currently owned by the Dutch Reformed Church. The church includes the Augustinian Monastery het Hof (‘the Court’) which was built in 1275 and was the location of the First Assembly of the Free States.
The Nieuwkerk (‘New Church’) or St Nicolaas Kerk was built in 1175 and is, ironically considering its name, the oldest building in Dordrecht.
The Munt van Holland (‘Mint of Holland’), mint built in 1366. The majority of the coins used in the region of Holland in the Middle Ages were struck here. Nowadays, the building houses a music school.
Kyck over den Dyck (‘View over the Dike’), the last windmill in Dordrecht. It was built in 1612 and used to produce malt that was used by Dordts beer brewers.
The Groothoofdspoort (‘Big Head’s Gate’) is the original city gate of Dordrecht, built in the 14th and 15th centuries. It is situated at the point where the rivers the Meuse, the Merwede, and the Rhine meet.
Arend Maartenshof (Arend Maarten’s Court), built in 1625.
