Volendam is undoubtedly a very charming
tourist destination highly captivating, a fabulous pleasing postcard of The Netherlands highlighted
by a traditional and appealing atmosphere surrounding an extraordinary
picturesque scenery of a site with a very important historic past which left
considerable marks and monuments still visible today in the boundaries of that very attractive Dutch
centre.
A place like that is highly and extremely suggested for all the tourists who want to know more and more the culture of a country which offers notable attractions, a site simply perfect for all that in terms of history, tourism, traditions but also costumes, gastronomy and leisure.
A place like that is highly and extremely suggested for all the tourists who want to know more and more the culture of a country which offers notable attractions, a site simply perfect for all that in terms of history, tourism, traditions but also costumes, gastronomy and leisure.
The fascinating charm of that maritime town of
approximately 22,000 inhabitants developed on human scale around its coloured
harbour characterised by the constant presence of several fishing boats,
distinctive canals and scenic bridges, indisputable symbols of a beautiful Nation are all
together protagonists of the local enchanting frame.
Volendam forms a bipolar municipality with the nearest Edam at just 30 minutes driving from Amsterdam downtown, part of the province of North Holland in the region of Waterland facing a section of the Markermeer called Gouwzee corresponding to the southern side of the IJsselmeer, a shallow artificial lake which with its 1100,0 square kilometres is the largest of western Europe created in 1932 when the Zuirdzee, an inland sea was closed by a 32,0 kilometres dam called Afsluitdijk, one of the greatest engineering masterpieces developed in the country all time.
Volendam forms a bipolar municipality with the nearest Edam at just 30 minutes driving from Amsterdam downtown, part of the province of North Holland in the region of Waterland facing a section of the Markermeer called Gouwzee corresponding to the southern side of the IJsselmeer, a shallow artificial lake which with its 1100,0 square kilometres is the largest of western Europe created in 1932 when the Zuirdzee, an inland sea was closed by a 32,0 kilometres dam called Afsluitdijk, one of the greatest engineering masterpieces developed in the country all time.
Definitely the geographic position of that centre plays a very relevant role increasing the charm of the stunning picture of that magnificent place and you will have a further confirmation walking through its picturesque streets feeling in the old historic core of that marvel the spreading of a magic air all around transmitting that you are in a place very special.
The local fascinating setting which captures the attention of every visitor at first sight with small drawbridges, vivid colours and an enchanting aura along the quays of its port which offers striking views and stupendous images are all details which make Volendam unique in its kind.
The
town shows in all its splendour a fairytale environment with a stunning
architecture which is another of its most scenic highlights consisting in very
attractive wooden houses situated on
little elevations and worth a special mention the presence of some superb
Neo-Renaissance buildings characterised
by wide and high facades developed using brick, stone and fine timber details, large
symmetrical windows elevated with an use of perfect lines with traditional sloping roofs giving
that centre a more than idyllic image.
All that is greatly completed in all its splendour by a perfectly conserved urban layout of a site which is constantly highlighted by a genuine and true
atmosphere showing in a while all the enchanting appeal of a Dutch corner which furthermore has a long history to narrate
since the Middle Ages becoming in addition a
favourite destination for many renowned artists who found in Volendam a deep source
of inspiration.
The presence of renowned characters closely related to the highest artistic sphere started since the
late 19th century when a French painter called Henry Harvard in 1883 after a trip by boat on the
Zuiderzee totally enchanted by the local
stupendous views made a sort of great promotion of Volendam.
Since then many artists who often frequented Amsterdam which was in that period one of the most famous European centres related to fine art and painting of art discovered the beauty of that place flocking there to immortalise the magnificent images offered by that more than enchanting site of The Netherlands.
Since then many artists who often frequented Amsterdam which was in that period one of the most famous European centres related to fine art and painting of art discovered the beauty of that place flocking there to immortalise the magnificent images offered by that more than enchanting site of The Netherlands.
Some of those prominent figures who fell in love with that centre of North Holland were Paul Signac,
Pierre-Auguste Renoir Pablo Picasso and also Maurice Boitel who was one of the major exponents
of that movement and school born in Paris called “La Jeune Peinture”, the young painting.
Next to them also the British George Clausen, the Dutch Wilm Wouters and Theo van Rijsselberghe reached that scenic marvel among a big number of other notorious Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist characters who often visited that captivating place taking from all what they could see there, desired magic inspirations to create superb masterpieces.
Next to them also the British George Clausen, the Dutch Wilm Wouters and Theo van Rijsselberghe reached that scenic marvel among a big number of other notorious Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist characters who often visited that captivating place taking from all what they could see there, desired magic inspirations to create superb masterpieces.
The famed and legendary Hotel Spaander
frequented by many of those famed personalities became a sort of emblematic point of reference and Volendam
year by year gained notoriety and prestige elevating itself as a symbol to
immortalise in stunning works which made the history of the most refined landscape painting in that corner of Europe, transforming it also in
pleasing post card of The Netherlands and pride of an entire Nation.
That incredible artistic boom obviously captured the imagination and curiosity of a multitude of people who started to reach that centre in a kind of pilgrimage making it a highlight of the entire country with art which was in its kind the pioneer and engine of relevant incoming flows constantly increasing decade by decade.
That incredible artistic boom obviously captured the imagination and curiosity of a multitude of people who started to reach that centre in a kind of pilgrimage making it a highlight of the entire country with art which was in its kind the pioneer and engine of relevant incoming flows constantly increasing decade by decade.
Since a long time ago Volendam is mandatory for all the tourists who are planning to visit Holland because
there are not many centres in that splendid land able to transmit a true, real
and incomparable charm you can breathe all around its boundaries including in
the most remote corner as a small hidden street or a tiny alley.
That town in all its genuine essence and spirit is
furthermore highlighted by its residents who loyal to their old traditions and
culture continue to wear their typical
costumes, something which will never die because also that aspect is unique in its kind just like the secular presence and daily use of a
very rooted dialect called Vollendam
so famous all around the Nation, an old Waterland´s language which was strongly
influenced by the Schokkers, a linguistic expression brought in 1850 by the inhabitants of the evacuated island of Schockland.
Further cultural highlights characterising that centre in a
country which since a long time ago embraced in large part the Protestant Religion as
predominant, Volendam is almost entirely populated by Catholics due to old and solid
historic links with the Roman Church and it is well known for a movement linked to the local popular folk music denominated Palingsound which created an industry in its
kind with including the presence of a
museum and several fans.
That word identifying sthat genre of music derives from to the word "Paling” which
means eel closely linked to fishing, an iconic activity started a long time
ago which also created next to that emblematic
product with fresh fish and seafood also protagonists the
myth of a very appreciated gastronomy well known all around the country.
Excellent
accommodations for a very pleasant stay, Excursions by boat, visits of more
than interesting exhibitions, the celebration of Festivals and events are other details to take in high consideration to plan a tailor
made tour or organising an itinerary unique in its kind inserting Volendam without hesitations as
one of the most relevant stages.
Those 20, 0 kilometres of distance from the major city
of the nation, Amsterdam are undoubtedly a magnificent invitation to combine
that stupendous European capital, a destination constantly trendy and of great interest with that place reachable by radial excursions from that city next to other stunning attractions such as the iconic Dutch windmills, Marken and Edam which
are equally enchanting. ( I wrote posts regarding those two towns in the case
you are interested)
Very interesting is the old local history which is certainly a
great introduction to the visit to know more different cultural aspects which make that site so special.
The creation of the former local agglomeration has its
origin since the 14th century from the nearest port of Edam, a well known centre for the production of its renowned cheeses
next to its relevant historic value.
The current site was originally a small settlement
born at the mouth of the river IJssel and in medieval times concretely
in 1357 the first inhabitants of Edam developed a dam to link the town to the Purmermeer
forming a wide lagoon with a large gulf on which was also established a new
harbour.
The first residents were several farmers and fishermen who settled in that land forming the oldest community with the denomination Vollen-Dam which literally translated means filled dam.
The first residents were several farmers and fishermen who settled in that land forming the oldest community with the denomination Vollen-Dam which literally translated means filled dam.
The former village was quickly established by
the hard work of the locals who with all their efforts in a geographic area
in constant fight with the strength of the sea won their battle and that site started to be also
characterised for its several and famed traditions related to a very
marked identity.
It became a
very active fishing centre especially focused on the eel and herring catch with
a very busy harbour greatly organised for those activities with the presence of established specific piers specifically devoted to moor vessels prepared to sail across the North Sea with the creation of a local fleet.
The 16th century was also historically a period which elevated that site very famous because despite
in The Netherlands since 1571 time the major part of the inhabitants became Christian Protestant believers after the notorious synod in the German town of Emden in Lower Saxony originally
based on John Calvin teachings with many
other Reformers linked to those changes but despite that most of the settlers of Volendam remained loyal to the Catholic Roman
Church and faithful to the Papal State with seat in the Vatican.
That important historic stage is closely related to that famous event
corresponding to the Dutch Reformation which also gained extreme
relevance especially seven years later with a considerable notorious
meeting which took place in the city of Dordrecht in the
province of South Holland when the Calvinism increased its influence with the escalation of the Protestant
faith as predominant.
The former village opposed a very strong resistance to
that kind of National innovation which was changing the history of the entire
land and despite the nearest villages and towns were already converted that centre did not replace its religious cultural roots and it has always been deeply linked to the local former history including well known to be the birthplace
of many Catholic Bishops.
All that continued for centuries and in the mid 20th century the town had
the highest number of Roman Catholic ordinations per square kilometre
in Holland and even the highest number of missionaries per square
kilometre worldwide.
Those events increased furthermore in that
municipality the links with a fervent Catholicism and for all that the Religion
became in its kind a relevant, distinctive emblem to preserve in a long cycle despite the nation had those notable
mutations with the advent of a new faith continuing to be transmitted generation by generation as
something to conserve and keep with pride as a fundamental value of identity strongly
marked in the local reality.
Recently according to documentations and information
reported by the well known De Groene Amsterdammer, a famous magazine
distributed all around Greater Amsterdam and reaching many other areas of the
country, the Catholic devotion increased furthermore generating a sort of considerable revival linked to the origins
of resurgent Marian pilgrimages with the visits to the Chapel Hille Kok in Volendam.
That site is a sort of sanctuary in which the Catholic
Dutch inhabitants venerate the image of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the
Water considered in its kind an iconic symbol for all the
population linked to the Roman Church.
Since the late 18th century as previously mentioned
that maritime centre was highlighted by the landing of those mentioned artists
who were in their kinds pioneers to open the door to a trendy tourism and in the contemporary
era concretely in the 60's born the legend of that popular music, the
Palingsound which was another mark which strongly entered in the heritage
traditions, including conquering an important space in the panorama in Holland and in the Belgian Flandres too.
In more recent times the town lived a tragic event
when in the New Years’ night of 2000 to 2001 a fire destroyed the Cafe De Hemel, a tragedy which saw 14
victims and approximately 180 injured people, that sad tragedy was
caused by the lighting of sparklers
ignited on the dry Christmas decorations on the ceiling which fell.
The municipal centre is mainly arranged around
Julianaweg consisting in one of the main local arteries crossing the core of the
town from north to south situated west of Haven, the emblematic
harbour while Schippersgracht and Eddamerweg located at
east of that long avenue correspond to two of the main axes running along a couple of
twin canals, one parallel to the other directly leading to the port.
A great experience is to start the visit enjoying a
very lovely and pleasant walk in Het Doolhof, a very charming quarter greatly highlighted
by a captivating maze of narrow streets surrounded by beautiful traditional
wooden houses.
It is nicknamed The Labyrinth for its setting of windy a very picturesque intriguing alleys and small canals in an environment encircled by a very suggestive and magic atmosphere and you will breathe there an immediate enjoyable feeling with the the great sensation to live in another era.
All there is like a splendid step leading to a jump in the past in that charming corner of Volendam, a very pleasing place which still fantastically retains the same image of the previous centuries.
It is nicknamed The Labyrinth for its setting of windy a very picturesque intriguing alleys and small canals in an environment encircled by a very suggestive and magic atmosphere and you will breathe there an immediate enjoyable feeling with the the great sensation to live in another era.
All there is like a splendid step leading to a jump in the past in that charming corner of Volendam, a very pleasing place which still fantastically retains the same image of the previous centuries.
That very inspiring highlight is something of extremely significant
transmitting the visitor the desire to stay there hours and hours in
contemplation and all that is mainly due to the presence of several splendid
buildings still very well preserved which have kept their most stunning decorations
and fine architectural details.
Those constructions you can admire nowadays are the
result of that charismatic artistic
movement born in the 19th century in The Netherlands consisting in that fabulous iconic Neo-Renaissance architecture inherited
by a generation of talented masters who continued the history of their
illustrious predecessors.
They masterly elevated houses highlighted by scenic high front sides, captivating gable roofs, marked outlines and many other traditional architectural elements appearing in the exterior layout of every building, all them established with a refined criteria and high sense of geometry.
They masterly elevated houses highlighted by scenic high front sides, captivating gable roofs, marked outlines and many other traditional architectural elements appearing in the exterior layout of every building, all them established with a refined criteria and high sense of geometry.
There is nothing of bizarre or peculiar, in that urban environment all
is extremely balanced, the structures have similar size, height, colour and
tonality, including the brick or the type of timber used for the construction
are identical.
Splendid doorways and large windows are inserted in the facades with symmetry, nothing is boring, that is total preservation of a site which will eternally continue to delight every visitor for all that at first sight.
Splendid doorways and large windows are inserted in the facades with symmetry, nothing is boring, that is total preservation of a site which will eternally continue to delight every visitor for all that at first sight.
That charming borough is considered by many people one
of the best and most scenic places to breathe the true enchantment of the most traditional
and old Holland reflecting an image which could be immortalised as a cover of
every tourist brochure but all what is more impressive is the great entire conservation
and harmony of that municipal borough making that distinctive place unique in
its kind elevating itself as a very pleasing postcards of The Netherlands.
The town boasts a very rich historic patrimony and the
previously mentioned famous Hille Kok, the Christian Catholic shrine is
something you cannot miss due to its high relevant cultural value and resonance particularly reached in the last decades situated in a street called Asterstraat in Boelens Park, a lovely green space it is of
course one of the main highlights of that centre.
The establishment of that sacred monument was wanted by Mrs. Hille Kok, a lady who after a trip to France concretely in a pilgrimage to Lourdes on 19th April 1985 it said she was touched by God having different visions as that of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, some Saints and holy messages.
The establishment of that sacred monument was wanted by Mrs. Hille Kok, a lady who after a trip to France concretely in a pilgrimage to Lourdes on 19th April 1985 it said she was touched by God having different visions as that of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, some Saints and holy messages.
Since then due to all that the woman decided to do something and
on 10th March 1988 for her desire in the town came from Poland a image of St. Mary which was originally hosted in the
Convent of Nikopolanow well known to be the place where Father Maximilian Kolbe lived.
In that park was erected that small chapel consecrated on 15th December 1993, placing the statue inside a tiny light environment beneath a cupola and behind a gate, an event which was very important in its kind because it became a resource also linked to Religious tourism, a niche which has notable roots and a large number of people interested in it.
In that park was erected that small chapel consecrated on 15th December 1993, placing the statue inside a tiny light environment beneath a cupola and behind a gate, an event which was very important in its kind because it became a resource also linked to Religious tourism, a niche which has notable roots and a large number of people interested in it.
A special event related to that shrine happened in the night of the 1st on the 2nd day of Pentecost in 1997 with the presence of some blood tears in the face of the statue and
that miracle called a multitude of pilgrims from all the Netherlands and
Belgium.
That blood started to be analysed by a laboratory which detected it was human, TV and Radios worldwide talked a lot about that including with controversial opinions as one linked to some boys who with imagination made that trying to create something of extremely suggestive and mystical.
That blood started to be analysed by a laboratory which detected it was human, TV and Radios worldwide talked a lot about that including with controversial opinions as one linked to some boys who with imagination made that trying to create something of extremely suggestive and mystical.
Apart that important icon, another Religious temple of
extreme relevance you can admire in the municipal boundaries is the beautiful Sint Vincentius Kerk,
a splendid Church dedicated to St.
Vincent erected in the 19th century
exactly in 1860.
The history of that Sacred construction despite its
not extremely old is rich of events and furthermore protagonist of a pretty
curious past because it was originally a former Protestant Temple and much more
it is one of the oldest religious buildings linked to that Christian faith present in a Catholic town.
The structure suffered some damages during the 2nd World and for a period fell in
decay, after some laborious restorations with further architectural arrangements to save the
walls and the apse once ended those operations the Church was considered too small and in 1957 it was totally rebuilt.
The final result was pretty successful in terms of
Aesthetic image and today you can see a great modern masterpiece developed on a long
rectangular plan showing very charming details as a stylish wide, high gable
facade highlighted by big arched windows and a scenic central clock tower erected in
the middle above a splendid arched doorway.
Some elements of the layout reflect the lines of the
previously mentioned buildings elevated in Het Doolhof with an addition of a strong touch of contemporary style especially highlighted in the use of
materials.
What is more important is that pretty young construction despite its contemporary elevation never altered or ruined the image of the local environment keeping a harmonious coexistence with the rest of the constructions present in its immediate vicinity.
What is more important is that pretty young construction despite its contemporary elevation never altered or ruined the image of the local environment keeping a harmonious coexistence with the rest of the constructions present in its immediate vicinity.
Another Religious construction part of the local
historic patrimony deserving to be visited is Stolphoeverkerk located
in a charming green space surrounded by verdant hedges and typical houses.
It is a wooden Church erected in 1658 totally restored highlighted by a series of arched windows, a beautiful pyramidal roof flanked by a high bell tower with a fascinating belfry and a high scenic spire
For the harmonious establishment of many fine details all inserted with an attentive criteria in the main facade it is considered one of the best examples in terms of Ecclesiastic buildings elevated in the 17th century in the region.
It is a wooden Church erected in 1658 totally restored highlighted by a series of arched windows, a beautiful pyramidal roof flanked by a high bell tower with a fascinating belfry and a high scenic spire
For the harmonious establishment of many fine details all inserted with an attentive criteria in the main facade it is considered one of the best examples in terms of Ecclesiastic buildings elevated in the 17th century in the region.
That splendid Dutch centre is also highlighted by the
presence of some interesting museums and exhibitions and in the street Zeestraat
at the civic number 41 it is a must to visit Volendam Museum considered one of the most important local attractions.
Inaugurated in 1991 that superb exhibition offers the brilliant chance to admire a wide selection of different types of traditional costumes reflecting the local culture, in addition it displays a wide range of objects consisting in crafts, tools, a cigar collection, a fishing gear, all works made by artisans and many other items related to the former historic traditions.
The visit of that place is mandatory, highly recommended because it is to know and learn more the reality the local cultural aspects in a very interesting chronological historic strp by step by step explaining in a very detailed way many topics of the heritage patrimony of the community.
Inaugurated in 1991 that superb exhibition offers the brilliant chance to admire a wide selection of different types of traditional costumes reflecting the local culture, in addition it displays a wide range of objects consisting in crafts, tools, a cigar collection, a fishing gear, all works made by artisans and many other items related to the former historic traditions.
The visit of that place is mandatory, highly recommended because it is to know and learn more the reality the local cultural aspects in a very interesting chronological historic strp by step by step explaining in a very detailed way many topics of the heritage patrimony of the community.
Another interesting site you ca not miss is certainly Palingsound
Museum located in Slobbeland, an exhibition totally dedicated
to music with many people wondering why a music museum was established
in that centre but the answer is pretty simple.
Since the 20th century the town has its own music industry and that
centre also has produced many internationally popular musicians. That local genre of music which gave the name to that attraction is strongly linked to the history of the former old fishing village and the word Paling in
Dutch means eel, one of the emblematic catch of the locals since a long time ago.
Many Volendammer artists are pretty popular and it is enough to mention The
Cats, Leftside, Canyon, Piet Veerman, Anny Schilder, Nick & Simon, 3JS,
Maribelle, Martine Bond, Johnnie Smit, Nick & Simon and 3JS and there
is a very long list including many others pretty famous.
Some of those exponents have a fame not only locally but in all around the country and furthermore in some places of the Flemish Belgium with also some members who reached a populariy also at International level.
Some of those exponents have a fame not only locally but in all around the country and furthermore in some places of the Flemish Belgium with also some members who reached a populariy also at International level.
That Dutch site is one of the last places in The Netherlands
in which several old folksong traditions were and are still preserved with an
extreme desire to keep something of traditionally local to survive
forever as a distinguished mark.
That kind of music represents a source of pride for the Volendammers to show their artistic life and identity as something of emblematic representing 100% the community marking an own outlined culture and much more to keep alive the former traditions continuing to conserve something of iconic born and bred there.
That kind of music represents a source of pride for the Volendammers to show their artistic life and identity as something of emblematic representing 100% the community marking an own outlined culture and much more to keep alive the former traditions continuing to conserve something of iconic born and bred there.
Also that kind of art is transmitted to the new
generations with the younger who continue to love those sounds, a genre which could be considered a mixture of Country Music with some influences of Southern
European Folk musical bases accompanied by orchestration highlighted by a
traditional harmony of vocals and melodic tunes.
The exhibition features a variety of music related
collections in which you can see an ample range of items ranging from instruments to albums by the most
important artists in the history of that kind of movement so if you are a fan
about folk music that museum could certainly be a must for you.
As you know The Netherlands is a country well known
worldwide to be an European historic pioneer and cradle regarding diamond
trade, cut and elaboration of those precious stones of immense value.
Amsterdam, the Dutch Capital is one of the most famed cities in the world about those activities since centuries ago but also Volendam is pretty related to that with a very old and relevant tradition and worth a visit a very interesting exhibition called Diamantslijperij.
Amsterdam, the Dutch Capital is one of the most famed cities in the world about those activities since centuries ago but also Volendam is pretty related to that with a very old and relevant tradition and worth a visit a very interesting exhibition called Diamantslijperij.
That site represents an outstanding workshop in which
you can see how Amsterdam's famous diamonds are cut enjoying during an Educational
visit an intensive and extensive explanation closely related to all the processes and
techniques of manufacture of different kinds of those precious gemstones.
That
diamond workshop began its activity in the capital of Holland in 1664 and for five generations since 1888 that name is well known
among the most important cutters of that stunning metastable allotrop of carbon in the city and all around the country with a local family according to that old
tradition who continued since 1972 that business in the town.
Haven is the local harbour and it is
nowadays one of the most relevant and important tourist local attractions, it is one of the most important and
oldest ports of Holland originally developed for herring fishing on the shore of the
IJsselmeer.
That kind of catch was since centuries ago one of the first and main resources of the former village also protagonist of the superb ascent of The Netherlands as one of the most important countries in the globe related to the that branch of fishing industry especially characterised for a specific organisation of ports and fleets mainly devoted to that.
That kind of catch was since centuries ago one of the first and main resources of the former village also protagonist of the superb ascent of The Netherlands as one of the most important countries in the globe related to the that branch of fishing industry especially characterised for a specific organisation of ports and fleets mainly devoted to that.
Those strongly rooted operations continued later with the emblematic eel
until recent times keeping alive a secular tradition elevating Volendam as one of the most important and organised centres of the entire country, all that is still visible today when on Saturday the fishing boats
return to the harbour after a week or more of fishing in the North Sea.
The local fishermen are also famous for their typical Volendamm
humour well known to be considered talented storytellers.
Closely related to that according to a legend narrated by them, the settlement and the port came up with protagonist a peculiar, curious romance between a beautiful girl called Lysje, daughter of a local farmer and a horse which from time to time appeared in the village with a fish in its mouth walking in front of several women working in the farms.
Closely related to that according to a legend narrated by them, the settlement and the port came up with protagonist a peculiar, curious romance between a beautiful girl called Lysje, daughter of a local farmer and a horse which from time to time appeared in the village with a fish in its mouth walking in front of several women working in the farms.
It said that animal during
a meeting with Lysje , a young attractive local girl, brought her a big fish and after that event they
disappeared together into the waves of the North Sea. The guys left the
inland in search of the maiden looking for her everywhere and when they stopped
to fish born the former village.
Linked to that narration is that in the municipal coat of arms appear as symbols the horse and the fish two protagonists of that very suggestive story.
Linked to that narration is that in the municipal coat of arms appear as symbols the horse and the fish two protagonists of that very suggestive story.
Haven is also the main local hub in which you can enjoy a
good number of restaurants, bars, ideal site to have a very pleasant break, along its quays you can find souvenir shops with the chance to buy interesting articles
after or before a lovely and beautiful
mini cruise to another great place which worth a visit as Marken thanks
to Marken Express, a ferry service which works from march to September. (I
also wrote a post about that beautiful destination in the case you are
interested)
On the northern side of Haven at the civic number
15 in a fascinating building dated 1881 you can see the legendary Hotel Spaander which apart to be an iconic site devoted to the Hospitality Industry and Incoming Tourism since a long time ago boasts a very curious and highly interesting history
to narrate.
Its popularity started when
the French painter Augustine Hanicotte, a watercolourist who was strongly
influenced by Henri Matisse spent several days in that accommodation and
including he married in Paris one of the daughters of Leendert Spaander the
owner of the Hotel.
After that episode it started to be a famous destination for many exponents of the highest artistic sphere of France with masny talented artists coming from Paris landed in that site of the province of North Holland.
After that episode it started to be a famous destination for many exponents of the highest artistic sphere of France with masny talented artists coming from Paris landed in that site of the province of North Holland.
The proximity of the Dutch Capital and the historic
past of that area with its extraordinary scenery boasting wonderful sea views made that place a very trendy destination, an artistic
distinctive emblem, a unique attraction and thanks to that the accommodation became protagonist hosting a notable number of painters who spent in its rooms enjoyable
stays. rooms.
The owner instead of money as payment for the
overnights received in change by them paintings which currently
cover the walls of the interior of that emblematic building which was transformed in
a sort of great true gallery with approximately 1400 works displayed in its spaces, a superb local landmark for all what it represented since its inception.
Some of the most prominent customers were Pierre
Auguste Renoir iconic and famous figure of the French and International
Impressionism movement and the famed Parisian
Neo-Impressionist painter Paul Signac, both very renowned figures who with many others
gave that place notoriety, fame and prestige.
Behind the Hotel along an avenue called Noordeinde
you can enjoy a relaxing walk admiring the stunning coastal views highlighting a sublime scenery, the
boats during their navigation, a place very suggested at sunset offering the chance to take some superb pictures or also strolling Kerkepad because along that artery you can see a long scenic canal connected
to another along a street called Zusterschoolstraat which directly leads
to Julianaweg.
The local costumes are another
attraction, very famous all around the country in their kinds considered as a sort of cultural promotion often identified as national
emblem of The Netherlands.
The Volendammer costumes are many times present and
depicted in several postcards, posters, brochures you can also see in Amsterdam
in many souvenirs shops with protagonists in several pictures people with a distinctive cap, women wearing a striped apron with a black or floral dresses with embroidered
details in blue, white or red colours, coral necklaces while the man wear a
jersey and baggy trousers.
Those traditional clothes born with the old generation continuing
to be present and alive with young people who wear them with pride, a
detail which is undoubtedly a signal of a strong identity, symbol of a local
culture which never lost its relevance and importance extremely rooted also nowadays.
Apart the stories and legends narrated by the local
fishermen there is another one which says that the shield of Volendam pays
tribute to the girls of the village.It is therefore not surprising that a well known
singer held the reputation of that typical Dutch fishing village with these
words: "Whoever wants to see the most beautiful of Holland, Volendam
must go” because of its complete isolation thanks to the tenacious
vitality of its fishermen that Dutch centre is so special also for that and
kept for many centuries its own character.
The town is also very active hosting very attractive events and annually
each first weekend of September is celebrated Volendam Festival. That
appointment is considered a must by locals with the major part of them
saving the whole year to participate to that beloved appointment simply unique
for every inhabitant.
The Volendam Weekend is another one of relevant resonance, a festival celebrated in
June in which all the residents wear the traditional costumes of old
farmers with the town packed by several stalls with the chance to enjoy that
lively feast highlighted by a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
Furthermore that celebration is also very interesting for a visitor which apart to enjoy the animated place can have the great opportunity to admire or buy beautiful local crafts and fine handmade articles some of them simply superb
That event in addition is highlighted by the presence of numerous concerts performed by bands both famous or unknown and also with demonstrations of fitness activities as a particular path which runs through the centre.
Furthermore that celebration is also very interesting for a visitor which apart to enjoy the animated place can have the great opportunity to admire or buy beautiful local crafts and fine handmade articles some of them simply superb
That event in addition is highlighted by the presence of numerous concerts performed by bands both famous or unknown and also with demonstrations of fitness activities as a particular path which runs through the centre.
Also sport and especially Football has an important history, with a Club, the FC Volendam founded in 1920 by local
fishermen playing in the Kras Stadion, a complex with a capacity of 6984, 0 spectators.
Despite its size and the presence of legendary Sporting football Institutions in the country such as AFC Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord Rotterdam, the local Club won for six times the Eerste Division, corresponding to the second highest league of Holland and it was in two occasions finalist of the KNVB Cup, the Dutch National Cup.
Despite its size and the presence of legendary Sporting football Institutions in the country such as AFC Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord Rotterdam, the local Club won for six times the Eerste Division, corresponding to the second highest league of Holland and it was in two occasions finalist of the KNVB Cup, the Dutch National Cup.
Born in the town are famed footballers, some of them played for the National team or in important Clubs abroad such as Arnold and Gerrie Mühren, Wim Jonk, Edwin
Zoetebier and the local Club was trained in the 80's by a famous coach as Leo Beenhakker also
former manager of Ajax, Feyenoord, Real Madrid, Holland and Poland among others.
The local Gastronomy has excellent traditions and Volendam is a
destination in which you will be delighted by the best fish of The
Netherlands.
A typical and famous speciality is the famed Paling consisting is smoked eel served with salad and bread.Very appreciated are the delicious and iconic herring next to the always fresh and tastefully cod. Worth a special mention also the exquisite and eternally fresh mosselen, the local mussels considered among the best in Europe.
A typical and famous speciality is the famed Paling consisting is smoked eel served with salad and bread.Very appreciated are the delicious and iconic herring next to the always fresh and tastefully cod. Worth a special mention also the exquisite and eternally fresh mosselen, the local mussels considered among the best in Europe.
The traditional Metworst is another popular
gastronomic product consisting in a kind of smoked sausage often present in
snacks, starters and appetisers while the Rookworst is another kind of
pig product frequently combined with the Stamppot, a famed
recipe which includes in its preparation mash potatoes, spinach, kale, bacon, vegetables all that seasoned with sauerkraut sauce.
The Hutspot is a further typical speciality
consisting in the combination of onion, mashed potatoes and carrots and to
those ingredients are added sausages or meat.
You can also try the notorious Gehaktballen, meatballs prepared with minced beef or pork meat, a delight you can frequently find in many Dutch areas while another one pretty common is the Slavink in which preparation the same meats are wrapped in slices of bacon and cooked with salt, oil and butter.
You can also try the notorious Gehaktballen, meatballs prepared with minced beef or pork meat, a delight you can frequently find in many Dutch areas while another one pretty common is the Slavink in which preparation the same meats are wrapped in slices of bacon and cooked with salt, oil and butter.
Naturally if you are spending holidays in that area of
The Netherlands do not miss to taste the remarkable and renowned cheeses
from the nearest Edam. That famous Dutch dairy product traditionally made in balls or
spheres paraffin coated red or yellow cheese has a long history and it is deeply
rooted in the local gastronomy as something of absolutely emblematic.
The coated Edammer black wax layer is usually
cured about 17 weeks according to
the true tradition and never a
day less or never a day more. For its fame, quality and taste that kind of cheese is very
famous all around the world with a protected designation of origin, the so called
Noord-Hollandse Edammer.
Holland has a long and relevant tradition about outstanding, legendary beers ,mainly lagers and in that centre you can enjoy
a wide selection of them including one 100% local called Ootje,a tripel beer which name translated
from the Volendamm dialect means Grandmother.
You can easily reach that beautiful town from
Amsterdam by public transport by bus lines 116 and 118 leaving from the
Central Station or if you love cycling
by bike renting one at MacBike and following the paths with easy
indications to Volendam. (I wrote a post about the Dutch Capital in the case
you are interested)
By car if you are enjoying an exciting Fly & Drive the journey with a pick up of the vehicle in the major centre of the country is pretty easy and fast and in approximately 25/30 minutes driving by N 247 you will be at destination.
By car if you are enjoying an exciting Fly & Drive the journey with a pick up of the vehicle in the major centre of the country is pretty easy and fast and in approximately 25/30 minutes driving by N 247 you will be at destination.
If you are planning a trip to Holland do not hesitate
to take in consideration a stay in that beautiful centre enjoying its very
charming atmosphere and for that I added some links with some information and some suggested accommodations.
The superb beauty and all what you will see in Volendam exploring metre by metre
the local boundaries of that magic site will surprise you, its genuine, historic and traditional
Dutch image elevated that site as a real and true pleasing postcard of The Netherlands, definitely a place which will remain imprinted in your
memories for a long time charming you with the desire to return there once
again.
Francesco Mari
Recommended
accommodations in Volendam
Hotel Spaander
Hotel Marinapark Volendam
Hotel Old Dutch
Hotel
Cafe Restaurant Van den Hogen
Useful links
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Thanks a lot to read and note.