Overlooking the small towns and hidden gems will be on the forefront if people consider going through a list of what not to do when visiting the Netherlands. Contrary to popular belief, Zutphen is not less well-known than other Dutch cities. Exploring the charming new tourist attraction of Zutphen is worth the traveler's time. One of the earliest cities in Holland and among the best-preserved medieval city centers in northwestern Europe is Zutphen, situated on the IJssel and Berkel rivers and hosts many attractions in the Netherlands. This Hanzestad, also known as the Torenstad, has a long and illustrious history that dates back to the time of the Roman empires 1,700 years ago.

It is due to the enormous, historic structures and diversity of towers that make up the city's landscape. The stunning architecture serves as the setting for a charming mix of cultural spots, boutiques, eateries, and activities. One might be astonished by several of the unusual activities and locations they can discover in this undiscovered location. People might even want to go back one day to Zutphen to unwind and slow down.

What To See In Zutphen

St. Walburga's Church And Librije

The St. Walpurgis church, going back to the 11th century, is the biggest and oldest church in Zutphen. Monuments commemorating the previous counts of Zutphen, a striking chandelier, a lavish copper font, and a memorial to the Van Heeckeren household can all be found in the current Gothic structure. One of the biggest collection displays of wall and ceiling artworks from the 1500s in Holland can be seen here, with the earliest works dating back to roughly 1400.

The 16th-century Librije, or the chained library of St. Walburga's Church, has undergone very little change over the years, with its naturally lighted reading chamber. It is one of just five surviving medieval libraries throughout Europe. The vintage books are still bound with chains to their old wooden tables, a tradition from centuries ago. The practice dates back to when it was a public library to protect the books from theft.

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Luther's Hofje Or Luter's Courtyard

Luther's Hofje was built to aid the underprivileged members of the church. The fourteen homes that composed this courtyard once each had one pane, doorway, furnace, box bed, closet, and attic. It was believed that it was all the room that the poor needed. Dark brown interior paint was used since it was less expensive and made it harder to see when the paint was fading.

The courtyard has undergone a noticeable shift since 1910, when the new housing legislation went into effect, with the number of homes decreasing from 14 to 7. The Lutheran church's emblem is a white swan that may be seen above the door.

Berkelpoort

Berkelpoort is among Zutphen's most significant structures. It is a watergate that is a part of Zutphen's city wall. It is erected over the tiny river of Berkel. The Berkelpoort, which traces its origins to the fourteenth century, was constructed to link the two areas of Zutphen on either side of the Berkel river. Zutphen once had two water gateways, but the second one was destroyed in 1774.

Bourgonjetoren

The Bourgonjetoren tower was built around 1457. This structure was equipped with cannons to guard the coast and shield Zutphen from Burgundian attacks. The tower's walls are four meters thick and measure twelve meters in height. About two centuries older than the turret is the town wall surrounding it.

Eight shooting apertures are visible at the tower. The biggest cannon, about five meters long and weighing over 10.000 kg, was hidden behind these openings but has never been utilized. 1741 saw the addition of the tower's dome.

Musea Zutphen

The Stedelijk Museum Zutphen, which explores the historical background of Zutphen, is one of two museums that make up Musea Zutphen, the top museum in the city. The Henriette Polak Museum, which specializes in contemporary classical artworks and sculptures, is the second museum. A visit to one or both of these galleries is a must-do while visitors are in Zutphen.

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What To Do In Zutphen

Exploring The Town On Water

Tourists can explore this historic Hanseatic village on the river banks of IJssel by canoeing down the magnificent river Berkel. A brief canal cruise in Zutphen takes guests around several of the city's neighborhoods and nearby locations, and it lasts between 60 and 75 minutes. In addition, tourists can rent kayaks between April to September.

Take A Walking Tour

Zutphen has a lot of attractions for visitors to see and is a delightful town to explore on foot. Tourists can either choose to go about and explore the town on their own, or they can take a guided walking tour that highlights all from the most stunning monuments to breathtaking courtyards across the town. Visitors can see historic fortifications while wandering through the center's lovely commercial districts, attractive courtyards, and defenses that date back hundreds of years.

Go On A Shopping Spree

If visitors are interested in shopping in Zutphen, they must go to the Beukerstraat. Both big-name brands and smaller shops and concept stores can be found here. Everyone will find something to enjoy. In addition to finding adorable shops in the Korte Beukerstraat and Lange Hofstraat, don't forget to explore the side streets that are close to the Beukerstraat.

The Spittaalstraat is the next prominent commercial district that tourists should check out in Zutphen. This Zutphen street is well known as the 'specialty street" in the city. There are excellent shops, concept stores, and dining establishments.

Zutphen is a quintessential Dutch city with a stunning urban landscape and spectacular attractions to explore. So start planning a vacation to the Netherlands.