Medieval Amersfoort

Amersfoort's greatest treasure is its rich past. Its multitude of historic buildings, quaint streets, canals and subtle details transport you to the city's medieval roots in the thirteenth century. In those days, Amersfoort belonged to the bishop of Utrecht, and he decided it would make a good spot to build a large farm. He had long wanted to make the valley of Guelders suitable for cultivation, and establishing an episcopal court there would enable him to keep an eye on things. He had a residence built on the site now occupied by the Sint Joris Church. This brought lots of activity to the settlement, which expanded rapidly, and in 1259 the bishop of Utrecht granted Amersfoort city rights. If there is one city in the Netherlands that preserves a real flavour of the Middle Ages, it's Amersfoort. With its wall-houses, splendid city gates and multitude of historic sites, to visit Amersfoort is to step far back into the past!

Locations with a medieval story

  • Wall-houses

    Walking along the houses built into the ancient city wall transports you back to medieval times. Visit the famous wall-houses (Muurhuizen) and discover their colourful history

    Visit the wall-houses
    Wall-houses

  • Onze Lieve Vrouwe Tower

    This tower was built on account of the ‘miracle of Amersfoort’. Work began around the year 1450 and was completed in around 1500. During a 60-minute tour of the tower, you can hear about the legend that inspired it. 

    Climb the tower
    Onze Lieve Vrouwe Tower

  • Men's Hall

    This is the only original medieval guest house still standing in the Netherlands. Here, you can experience how residents lived and what the building looked like around the year 1900.

    Discover the Men's Hall
    Men's Hall

The miracle of Amersfoort


Since the fifteenth century, thousands of pilgrims have taken comfort and hope from the small and unprepossessing statue of Our Lady of Amersfoort. Said to perform miracles, this statue has a magical story to tell... Read the legend and learn more about historic Amersfoort.

 

Medieval Tour

  • Museum Flehite

    Museum Flehite

    Like to see a medieval walled house from the inside? Visit Museum Flehite in the city centre of Amersfoort, which consists of three houses built around 1540. The buildings show traces of the residents and users who lived and worked there over the centuries. Ask at the reception for notes on the building history as you discover old furnaces and wall paintings from long ago...

    Visit Museum Flehite

  • Water Line Cruise

    Water Line Cruise

    Come cruise the historic water line! See centuries-old city gates, monumental façades, sculpted imagery and the wonderful wall-houses. Your knowledgeable guide will make history come alive...
     

    Book a cruise

  • Eem Route

    Eem Route

    The Eem river already flowed through this region in the Middle Ages. This cycling route begins on top of the dyke running along the Eem and takes you through lush green landscapes and past beautiful old farmsteads. By the end, you'll feel completely rejuvenated!

    View the cycling route

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