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Photo: © Arvid Olson
North Holland

Monnickendam

The historic city of Monnickendam lies on the banks of the Markermeer (lake Marken. Those who love old Dutch cities and water sports will feel right at home in Monnickendam.

  • Visit the museum in the Speeltoren, Monnickendam's oldest building.
  • Go for a stroll through the lovely center with its countless monuments.
  • Monnickendam is truly a water city: go on a boat tour or rent your own sailboat.
Monnickendam was granted city charter in 1355 and this was the beginning of the expansion of the city. Unfortunately, no 14th-century illustrations have been preserved. However, the very fact that it was granted city charter, does tell us that the population was quite sizeable and that Monnickendam was of economic importance.

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History of Monnickendam

Due to the city’s location on the coast of the former Zuiderzee (‘Southern Sea’) and close to the lakes in the hinterland, the shipping industry and related trade flourished. All buildings from 1355, with the exception of the Speel Tower, went up in flames during severe fires. The Speel Tower can still be admired, next to the weighing house, the ‘Waag’.

Monuments

The above-mentioned Speel Tower is one of the city’s monuments and houses a museum. Other monuments include the Grote or Sint Nicolaas Church, the wooden drawbridge across the harbor, and many of the houses. 

Editor's pick

Monnickendam is a great home base for trips to Marken, Volendam, the Zaanstreek and Amsterdam. We recommend Suitehotel Posthoorn. This hotel is located in a monumental building in Monnickendam’s historic center and has stylish rooms. Food lovers will be over the moon here, since Suitehotel Posthoorn boasts a fantastic restaurant with one Michelin star.

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