Amersfoort Map

Description:

Amersfoort is a historic city located in the province of Utrecht, Netherlands, serving as the second-largest city in the province. Situated approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Amsterdam, it has a population of around 161,000 residents as of 2024. The city was granted city rights in 1259 and has since developed into a significant cultural and economic center in the region.

The medieval city center of Amersfoort is well-preserved and features several notable landmarks. The most prominent among them is the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren (Tower of Our Lady), which stands at 98.33 meters tall and is the third-highest church tower in the Netherlands. Built between 1444 and 1470, this Gothic tower serves as a defining symbol of the city. Another significant structure is the Koppelpoort, a unique combination of a land and water gate built in 1425, representing one of the best-preserved medieval city gates in the country.

During World War II, Amersfoort gained notoriety for housing the Nazi concentration camp Polizeiliches Durchgangslager Amersfoort, which operated from 1941 to 1945. Today, the site serves as a national monument and museum, preserving the memory of those who suffered during the occupation. The city is also home to the Mondriaan House, the birthplace of the famous Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, which has been converted into a museum dedicated to his life and work.

The city's economy is diverse, with a strong focus on services, technology, and education. Amersfoort hosts several major companies and serves as an important railway junction, connecting various parts of the Netherlands. The city has experienced significant growth since the 1960s, with new residential areas and business districts being developed while maintaining its historical character. The Amersfoort Zoo, established in 1948, attracts numerous visitors annually and participates in various international breeding programs for endangered species.