Amersfoort's historic downtown is bursting with history. A walk through the city is, for those who pay attention, a small journey through time. Muurhuizen You probably already know the Lieve Vrouwetoren and the Koppelpoort, but did you know that history is still very much present in the side streets as well? For example, in the Krommestraat you will find beautiful buildings that have stood the test of time. And there is much more to discover.
Crommestrate
The oldest mention of Krommestraat dates back to 1367. The street, like the parallel Langegracht, curves. And it is this curve that is responsible for the name. By the way, archaeological finds show that a road already ran here around 1200. Around the same time that Langegracht was excavated.
So people have been walking the Krommestraat for a couple of centuries. But not just to store as we do now, but mainly to brew beer. Because in this cozy little street, then called the Crommestrate, there were no less than four breweries. Not so strange, because Amersfoort is traditionally a real beer city.
Amersfoort beer city
Thanks to the Eem, medieval brewers had access to clean water. And you need that to brew a good beer. At the time, Amersfoort ranked fourth! place in the top of beer cities in the Netherlands.
In the Krommestraat you found brewery de Kroon, where Dille & Kamille is located, the Pijpkan; here you can now shop at boutique Las Lunas and in the former Paardje you feast today on fish dishes at the Viszaeck. Even today in Amersfoort we brew the most delicious beers in the Netherlands. Don't believe me? Do the Bike Beer Route this spring and taste it for yourself!
Old and new
If you look up while walking down Krommestraat, you will see that many old details have been preserved. Krommestraat 36-38-40 (Dille & Kamille) is truly a picture to behold. The restoration of this beautiful national monument was completed in 1978. I also like the front of number 44 (from 1921), but especially check out the back.
The brick rear facade with revolving windows of the former St. Joris Monastery is a real eye-catcher. Nowadays you can eat delicious pizza at restaurant San Giogio, but it used to be -surprise surprise- brewery Den Eenhoorn. In the 1950s, when the building next to the current San Giorgio was being renovated, they found a 16th-century fresco of St. George and the Dragon. For the owner the reason to name his restaurant after him. You can see the original fresco in the Sint-Joriskerkat the Hof.
Treasure Hunt
At lunchroom Rijdes on the Gracht at number 10, you can still see the facade stone The Lamb of God. Exciting detail; in 1994 an earthenware pot containing as many as 508 silver coins was found here under the concrete floor. And there appeared to be more hidden in the Krommestraat. Because also in 1960 -in an unknown place- five silver coins were found.
People used to bury coins in times of need with the intention of digging them up later. Sometimes this did not happen, for example in case of death and that is why you still sometimes find these kinds of treasures. And more has been preserved. Like the gable stone of the house Vergulde Paarde (no. 50-52-54), depicting a tree with a broad crown and two jumping horses. No longer to be admired in the Krommestraat, but still in Museum Flehite.
Tour of the city
At number 3 you will find the Waterlijn Amersfoort, the best way to see our historic city from a different angle. The enthusiastic employees of the Waterline are full of interesting facts about our beautiful city. Highly recommended!
But the Krommestraat is not only full of hidden treasures from a distant past. Today you can also enjoy a day of shopping with friends, great food and of course a beer. Will you come along too?
Spying on the Krommestraat? Local Lysanne takes you to her favorites in this video.
Source: Eemland Archives