Listen | Origins of Monnickendam
Look around you, as you can see, water is omnipresent here in canals, ditches and the IJsselmeer. The water was and still is Monnickendam's lifeline.
It is the reason the town came into being, grew and prospered. And when the seaport silted up and later the Zuiderzee became the IJsselmeer, it was the reason the town's growth slowed down. Today, water still plays an important role in the lives of Monnickendammers.
Because of its location on the water, Monnickendam was and is a breeding ground for craftsmen. Such as fishermen, eel smokers and rope makers. But also for craftsmen who are still active today such as ice sailors and ship builders. What can you still see of these old and new crafts today? You will find out on this interactive walking tour through this watery trading town.
We start in front of the VVV at the site...
It is the reason the city came into being, grew and prospered. And when the seaport silted up and later the Zuiderzee became the IJsselmeer, it was the reason the town's growth slowed down. Today, water still plays an important role in the lives of Monnickendammers.
Because of its location on the water, Monnickendam was and is a breeding ground for craftsmen. Such as fishermen, eel smokers and rope makers. But also for craftsmen who are still active today such as ice sailors and ship builders. What can you still see of these old and new crafts today? You will find out on this interactive walking tour of this watery trading town.
We start in front of the VVV (tourist information office) on the spot where Monnickendam was founded. About 800 years ago, monks built a small church here. They chose this location quite deliberately. The confluence of the Noorder and Zuiderdijk had created a high mound here. Do you see that the roads on both sides of the lock still slope up slightly?
Soon Monnickendam grew into a real town. This was mainly due to its favourable location. On the Zuiderzee, at the centre of the route between the trading towns in France and the Hanseatic cities in northern Germany. Moreover, via the rivers and canals in Monnickendam's hinterland, ships could easily reach the port of Amsterdam. That saved them a lot of time. Because otherwise they had to sail around the island of Pampus, a trip that could take a very long time due to strong currents. By sailing via the locks at Monnickendam, merchant ships avoided literally 'lying in front of Pampus' for days.
Would you like to see on the map how Monnickendam was surrounded by water in the past? In the menu under 'pictures' you will find a map of the past. Then continue the tour by keeping to the left. Then cross the street towards the Waegh - the building on your left with the city coat of arms on the facade.
