During the Historical Walking Tour Dordrecht, you discover how more than eight centuries of history have shaped the character of the city. Together with an experienced guide, you walk along historic harbours, monumental buildings and places that played an important role in the history of Dordrecht and the Netherlands.

The oldest city in Holland and its trading history

Dordrecht developed into an influential trading city during the Middle Ages thanks to its strategic location on the water and its special trading privileges. During the walk, you discover how the city gained wealth and importance and why the historic centre still contains so many monumental warehouses, merchants’ houses and distinctive façades. Dordrecht’s role as a wine-trading and commercial city is also part of the tour.

Dordrecht and Dutch history

Several events that took place in Dordrecht had significance far beyond the city itself. Your guide tells you about the First Free Assembly of the States in 1572, the Synod of Dordrecht of 1618–1619 and the influential De Witt brothers. Well-known Dordrecht artists such as Aelbert Cuyp and Ary Scheffer also feature in the story. The tour therefore combines local history with important chapters from Dutch history.