I found the old town of Zutphen a treasure trove of history and culture, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. It's a place where the past and present come together uniquely and beautifully, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.
I wish I'd known about Zutphen when I was in Deventer last summer. What a gem! I might have to add an extra day to my next trip to go explore. I love city gates and that Berkelpoort is just stunning. Plus a chained library - I'm there. Your pictures are beautiful as always. Poortersklokje - I love that concept. I want to look into if we had poorterklokjes as well. Seems like it would have made sense. Special interest because my last name means bell in Swiss German.
Thanks for this one, I very much enjoyed taking a tour of the town and learning about it's history.
It’s fascinating to see those books, including the heavy iron chains that secure them from theft. The guide opened a few richly illustrated ones for us. Untouched was meant here as nothing has changed there in the past 500 years
Yet another treasure trove from a corner of the world that we likely would otherwise miss! It's so beautiful. I'm repeating myself, but the winter light casts a rather magical glow to the outdoor photos. As for the inside of the church, library, etc., the photos inspire quiet, reflective meditation, and make me want to sit down in there with books.
I wish my library would be as beautiful as this one. Although quite different, the concept reminded me of the Sterking Memorial Library, where I loved to retreat while I was at Yale
What a fantastic description of lovely Zutphen, and beautiful photos! I’ve spent a little time in Deventer (as relatives lived there - funny enough their last name is Verbeek!).
Treasures revealed. Some things cannot be shared without passion. No plans, no guides. Just wandering, getting lost in places, silences and mysteries. Destinations made of curiosity and time. To be seized, surprised with the moment, with no rush. The unique sensation of savouring discovery and delving into the soul of a piece of the world. A pleasure.
Your interest for the history of the Netherlands, architecture and art offered this exclusive description of the 2 towns. As you write, wether you’re an art lover, a history buff or a scenic explorer there’s something for you . As an outdoor and nature lover I’ll also explore the hiking paths of the National parks in the neighborhood, the hoge Veluwe or the Veluwezoom famous for their purple heather fields ??
Visiting those areas in autumn, when the heather blossoms, is a beautiful experience. This summer I was on the Sallandse Heuvelrug to see it, and a few summer ago I walked the Posbank route in the Veluwe. That’s my most spectacular memory of blossoming heather in the Netherlands
Thanks for these infos. The blooming heather in autumn is beautifully purple. I am checking the Sallandse heuvelrug for adapted paths. According to the photos it’s hilly, wide and gorgeous .
Very nice to see your photos Alexander!
I'm familiar with Zutphen and Deventer(Uncle, architect). We used to camp in Lochem.
Thank you
I visited Lochum last summer. It’s so much smaller but it’s situated in one of the best hiking areas in the Netherlands
I wish I'd known about Zutphen when I was in Deventer last summer. What a gem! I might have to add an extra day to my next trip to go explore. I love city gates and that Berkelpoort is just stunning. Plus a chained library - I'm there. Your pictures are beautiful as always. Poortersklokje - I love that concept. I want to look into if we had poorterklokjes as well. Seems like it would have made sense. Special interest because my last name means bell in Swiss German.
Thanks for this one, I very much enjoyed taking a tour of the town and learning about it's history.
If you like Deventer, you will like Zutphen too. It’s a bit smaller but with similar charm.
Charming! Though I understand, the thought of untouched books makes me a bit sad.
It’s fascinating to see those books, including the heavy iron chains that secure them from theft. The guide opened a few richly illustrated ones for us. Untouched was meant here as nothing has changed there in the past 500 years
I read that part as a library that has been left untouched i.e. as it used to be.
But I guess people are not allowed to touch the books today without wearing gloves.
Love this post! I agree. Sometimes the most spectacular moments are right next door. :-)
Thanks Maia, glad you liked it 😊
Yet another treasure trove from a corner of the world that we likely would otherwise miss! It's so beautiful. I'm repeating myself, but the winter light casts a rather magical glow to the outdoor photos. As for the inside of the church, library, etc., the photos inspire quiet, reflective meditation, and make me want to sit down in there with books.
I wish my library would be as beautiful as this one. Although quite different, the concept reminded me of the Sterking Memorial Library, where I loved to retreat while I was at Yale
That sounds dreamy! :)
What a fantastic description of lovely Zutphen, and beautiful photos! I’ve spent a little time in Deventer (as relatives lived there - funny enough their last name is Verbeek!).
Once again thank you 🙏.
Funny coincidence. Zutphen is a bit smaller than Deventer but has a similar feel. It’s worth a visit next time.
Treasures revealed. Some things cannot be shared without passion. No plans, no guides. Just wandering, getting lost in places, silences and mysteries. Destinations made of curiosity and time. To be seized, surprised with the moment, with no rush. The unique sensation of savouring discovery and delving into the soul of a piece of the world. A pleasure.
Thanks Maria :-)
Your interest for the history of the Netherlands, architecture and art offered this exclusive description of the 2 towns. As you write, wether you’re an art lover, a history buff or a scenic explorer there’s something for you . As an outdoor and nature lover I’ll also explore the hiking paths of the National parks in the neighborhood, the hoge Veluwe or the Veluwezoom famous for their purple heather fields ??
Visiting those areas in autumn, when the heather blossoms, is a beautiful experience. This summer I was on the Sallandse Heuvelrug to see it, and a few summer ago I walked the Posbank route in the Veluwe. That’s my most spectacular memory of blossoming heather in the Netherlands
Thanks for these infos. The blooming heather in autumn is beautifully purple. I am checking the Sallandse heuvelrug for adapted paths. According to the photos it’s hilly, wide and gorgeous .
It’s wonderful to pause, explore and note details of buildings, places and yes, even people that we normally are too busy to notice.
I do so much agree. There is so much to explore and discover nearby
So glad you liked it :-)