Netherlands > The Old Centre of Dordrecht

It’s Friday afternoon. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the roads are quite busy. I wonder when the last time I was stuck in a traffic jam was. With a slight delay, I arrive in Delft at Nicolette’s place. We’re going for a weekend trip to Dordrecht. Although all shops, restaurants, and museums are still closed due to corona, it’s nice to get away for a bit. The weather forecast is favorable. Temperatures around fifteen degrees Celsius are predicted for the whole weekend. Not bad for February. Just last week I was skating on the Kagerplassen. The weather can change quickly. Around quarter to five, we park the car at the Weeskinderendijk parking lot in Dordrecht, a large lot on the edge of the city center. From here, we walk to the Bed and Breakfast in the historic center. Crossing the Leuvehaven, it’s noticeable how quiet the streets are. This is, of course, because most shops are closed due to corona measures. We turn onto the Pottenkade, a quay between the church and the canal. The view of the canal houses gives a cozy impression. Our accommodation is also located on this canal. A little further on in the Grotekerksbuurt neighborhood is the Bed and Breakfast ‘Blom aan de Gracht.’ Marcel, the host, welcomes us and shows us the room. We can access the room via a separate entrance, which is very convenient. Marcel has already put the bread for tomorrow’s breakfast in the bread box. He points out the other ingredients in the fridge; we can help ourselves. At the back of the room is a dining table with a view of the water in the canal. Such a table is handy for breakfast but also for dinner. Because the restaurants are closed, we’ll have to eat in our room in the evening. Marcel advises us to definitely visit the Wolwevershaven, which he considers the most beautiful part of the city. Using the map, he explains that the historic center is compact and points out several spots near the harbor we shouldn’t miss. We follow his advice and set out. Right opposite our accommodation, there’s a commemorative plaque on the wall. The De Witt brothers were born here in the early 1600s. The original house no longer exists. The De Witt brothers held important positions during the Reformation. During a popular uprising by the supporters of the House of Orange in 1672, they were murdered. A little further on stands the former town hall, partially built over the canal. Originally, this building was constructed in 1383 as a market hall. Later, it was used by the city government. Via the Lombard Bridge, we reach the Voorstraat, the oldest and most important street in Dordrecht, according to the caption.

Netherlands - The Wolwevershaven was once the location of the Straatman machine factory

Nowadays, mostly shops are located here, though unfortunately, most are closed. Via the Vismarkt, we arrive at Groenmarkt. On both sides are small alleys and gateways. We walk through one of these gateways and arrive at Varkensmarkt, a beautiful historic street. We pass the Grote Markt and then turn off at the end towards the Aardappelmarkt. Every house here seems to have historic value. At the Wolwevershaven, there are old warehouse and merchant houses. The Schroevendok Straatman monument recalls the machine factory at this harbor. We cross the Damiate Bridge to the other side of Wolwevershaven. At the head of the harbor, we look out over the river junction of the Oude Maas, the Beneden Merwede, and the Noord. This area is said to be the busiest navigated stretch of river in Europe. It’s no surprise that we see several ships sailing past. We walk back to the Grote Kerk (Great Church). Slowly dusk falls over Dordrecht. Right by the bridge leading to the church is restaurant Bregje. Here we have ordered our dinner for tonight. Since we are still a bit early, we stroll through the streets around Voorstraat. When we return to the restaurant, we’re still early. Our meal isn’t ready yet, so we have to wait a few minutes. A little later, we walk back to our Bed and Breakfast carrying two paper bags full of food. At our own table, we enjoy carpaccio as a starter, followed by salmon and pork tenderloin for the main course. Although it’s of course nicer to dine in a restaurant, the food tastes excellent. We save the cheese platter for dessert during the movie later in the evening. We fill our wine glasses once more.