Most reviewed Historic Sites in South Holland Province
4.5Madurodam(3.865 reviews)from $23.02 - Madurodam Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Amusement & Theme Parks
Discover Holland's highlights and heritage in this world famous miniature and Holland theme park. You will discover Holland’s most iconic landmarks and history through a story of magnificent miniatures and indoor attractions. The stunning park filled with flowers is a beauty for the eye and shows 338 miniatures. From little Amsterdam to Dutch national architecture built on a scale of 1:25 with miniature trains, boats and cars moving around. Madurodam will make you discover Holland's rich history with remarkable stories like the Dutch ability to transform water into land. And did you know New York was Dutch in former days? Come find out in our attraction Nieuw-Amsterdam! Madurodam is very family friendly with two large playgrounds and plenty of fun interactive installations. You will get the full Holland experience in one place and many Instagram worthy picture possibilities. Visit us! We are open 365 days a year and offer information in 11 languages. See you soon in Madurodam.See more..
4.5World Heritage Kinderdijk(3.390 reviews) - Best place to experience Dutch water management technologies Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Educational sites • History Museums
The Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage site is a unique icon of seven centuries of Dutch water management. All phases of the history of our struggle against water are still visible here. The unique collection of 19 mills in an authentic Dutch landscape is a true eye catcher. With your ticket you'll have access to all visiting locations and tour boats for four hours. The Nederwaard Museum Mill shows how families lived and worked in our mills around 1900. At the Blokweer Museum Mill, you’ll experience what life was like in the fifties of last century. In the Overwaard Museum Mill and the adjacent education barn everything revolves around technology. Watch our multi-screen film in Secondary pumping station 'De Fabriek' and visit the historic Wisboom pumping station from 1868. Get on board of our tour boats and enjoy Kinderdijk from the water. Feel the wind, smell the water and listen to the sound of the windmills. The Kinderdijk World Heritage site is open almost the entire year!See more..
The Old Church of Delft dates back to 1050 ad. In this church one finds the tombs of the famous painter Johannes Vermeer, naval heroes Piet Hein and Maarten Tromp, and scientists such as Anthonie van Leeuwenhoek. The beautiful stained glass windows of this church are also worth seeing.See more..
4.5Sint-Janskerk(559 reviews) - Beautiful but too pricey. Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
THE LONGEST CHURCH OF THE NETHERLANDS The great fire of 1552 destroyed much of the medieval church of Saint John. Shortly after the disaster, the council commissioned the reconstruction of the most startling church of Holland. With 123 meters it is also the longest church in The Netherlands THE 72 STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS ARE WORLD-FAMOUS Entering the Church of St. John, one falls silent at the sight of the majestic space with the 72 world-famous stained-glass windows. That first experience will only get stronger when you see the marvellous light by the 'Dutch Masters' invading the Church. The rich history of Holland can be read in the large windows. It is a beginning of an impressive discovery along biblical and historical scenes of human emotions. Then you understand that the Gouda St. John is one of the highest rated attractions in the Netherlands!See more..
Gouda, South Holland. Gouda is an incredible adventure in a small friendly town and the namegiver to the famous Dutch cheese. Gouda is a city and municipality in the west of the Netherlands, between Rotterdam and Utrecht, in the province of South Holland. Gouda is a small town but its history is interesting. On the main square near old City Hall you can visit the Cheese Market on Thursdays, from April onto the end of August. The traditional market dates back from 1395. You can buy tasty cheese and watch wonderful folkloristic performances. There is a modern and free toilet in the central square. Also in the city there are Dutch-style urinals a bit similar to Amsterdam ones. You can go outside the city and visit the Reeuwijkse Plassen, or the Goudse Hout, lakes in and around Gouda for a good picnic outside the town. Lakes are in an hour walking away from the centre of the town or even less. A city also famous for its Gouda cheese, stroopwafels (dutch waffles) and candles many...See more..
4.5Huis Sonneveld(291 reviews) - A must for any visit to Rotterdam Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
Probably the best arts experience Rotterdam has to offer, the house takes you back to the mid 30s and explores the experience of those who lived there. An example of Dutch Functionalism, it is of interest to anyone with a passing interest in architecture and design - especially those who are interested in tidy, minimal spaces. The whole house is available to view, and you’re allowed to sit on some of the chairs as well. You’re directed through the building via an audio tour operated through scanning a handheld device at numbered check points. My only criticism of this experience is that it doesn’t explore what average Rotterdam’ers felt towards what was an incredibly alien space in the middle of what was at the time (prior to the damage caused by WW2) a very old city.See more..
4.0Pieterskerk Leiden(230 reviews) - Family Tree Research Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Religious Sites
The Pieterskerk has been the central touchstone of Leiden for almost 900 years. St. Peter’s two keys form the Leiden coat of arms and symbolically unlock the gates to both Heaven and Earth. This symbolism is reflected in the use of the Pieterskerk. A transformation from a Catholic church into a reformed church and since 1976 a multifunctional meeting place in a monument of unique cultural-historical value. Feel free to discover the history of the Netherlands (and America) flowing through the Pieterskerk. Whatever area of the church you may visit, Floris V, Rembrandt van Rijn, John, Abigail & John Quincy Adams, Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, George Bush Sr., Princess Beatrix and King Willem-Alexander have trodden this place before you.See more..
Just finished this Escape Room with a Rembrandt theme and it was awesome. It was the first time in an escape room for our the children aged 8, 10 and 12 and our sixth or seventh time. This was definitely the best escape room we've tried. Very friendly staff, beautiful 1485 built tower, excellent quality puzzles and a wonderful theme. Even though we narrowly missed escaping, we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would recommend this to all. See more..
Rotterdam's White House (Witte Huis) was the tallest office-building in Europe when it was built in 1898, and one of the few buildings in the center of town that survived the bombing raid on May 14,1940 during World War II.See more..
4.0Molen de Put(133 reviews) - A great free attraction Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites
Very photogenic and free entry into a working windmill, what more could you ask for? Well worth a visit but very steep stairs to climb to get in , so be prepared!See more..
4.0Museum Paul Tetar van Elven(75 reviews) - Good guides and authentic experience Tuesday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Art Museums
Museum Paul Tetar van Elven was once the home of the academic painter and art collector Paul Tetar van Elven (1823-1896). Nowadays every aspect of the interior reminds you of his presence. While walking through the living rooms, the study and the library, it is not difficult to imagine that you are visiting the house of an artist. You will encounter historical paintings, portraits and copies after Old Masters like Rembrandt and Rafael, that Paul Tetar painted himself. You can even admire The Nightwatch! The house is filled with antique furniture, Oriental porcelain and Delft pottery.See more..
4.5Groothoofdspoort(71 reviews) - A city gate at the nicest part/ view in town, at the point where three rivers come together.. Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
This is the only remaining citygate in Dordrecht... the foundations of this gate date back from the fourteenth century, but it's current state and look dates back from the 17th century. It is different from any other city gate that I have seen in the Netherlands, both in colour and with it's decorations... This really is a must see!. not only for the Gate itself, but also this point of town with a great view on the water and all the terraces/ restaurants/ cafes that are there. The Gate is currently part of a Hotel/ Restaurant, but you can still see it and go under it without having to go and eat there. Without having seen this city gate your day in Dordrecht would not have been complete!.See more..
4.5Stadswandeling Brielle(64 reviews) - Great way to explore the historic centre Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Battlefields • Lookouts • Churches & Cathedrals
Doing a 'stadswandeling' - a guided walk -in Brielle is a great way to explore the historic centre. We picked up the guide from the tourist information and did the Oranje walk, giving us enough little insights to even keep our teenagers interested. The walk is clearly described (incl. map) in the guide.See more..
4.0het Stadhuis van Leiden uit 1596(41 reviews) - it amazes me how little attention this place gets from natives... Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
they ride by on the bikes and it's no longer 'art'. it's furniture. people should be charged a nickel for the privilege of riding by. quite the piece of historical architecture. and...you might catch a wedding party departing from the front doors OR collected on the steps taking photographs for their wedding album. i love this building. check it out if you have the chance.See more..
4.0Koornbrug Leiden uit 1642-1825(35 reviews) - All In One Street Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
it is very good place to visit with lots things to enjoy; it is kind of all in one packet: historic building such as city hall, the life of canaling in new rhine, market, and lots cafes to just seat and relax.See more..
We love visiting mills, especially working ones where you can buy flour, semolina, etc. In the UK they are invariably out-of-town so you can imagine our surprise to find two in the city! It's possible to enter the mill (€1.50 at the time of writing) and climb to the platform that runs around the outside. The mill is in good working order but the ladders are steep. There are good views of the city from the platform. The mill was turning when we visited so it's sensible to avoid going near the sails. The adjacent shop sells many types of flour, such as wheat, rye and oat, mainly as bread mixes. Taste the difference from flour produced by industrial roller mills. Stone-ground flour is nuttier and retains more of the oil from the husk. Recommended.See more..
4.5Molen De Vlieger(26 reviews) - Great bit of Dutch history Tuesday: Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Educational sites
Windmill De Vlieger is a poldermill built in 1621 to drain the Veen- en Binckhorstpolder. Its scoopwheel of more than 5 meters can drain the water from the polder up to a height of 1 meter. The mill is still fully operational and runs regularly. It has been transformed into a museum. The living room on the groundfloor still looks as in 1900. From the landing on the first floot one can see how the large vertical axle transfers the motion of the wings to the scoopwheel. On the second floor different operating models of several mill types can be seen.See more..
4.0Gemeenlandshuis van Delfland(26 reviews) - Ornately designed building on Oude Delft Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Gemeenlandshuis van Delfland - Commonwealth House is an ornately designed late-Gothic building on Oude Delft and is the headquarters of Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland. It was built in 1505 and the owner at the time was Jan de Huyter who held many positions including delivering hops to many of the breweries in Delft. There is a lot of history connected with the building and was very popular with guided tours and curious passers-by at the time we visited.See more..
4.0Arend Maartenshof(23 reviews) - Result of fearing God? Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Arend Maartenszoon, Dordrecht's financial man in the early 1600s made the creation of this small court (hofje) with simple houses possible. You can admire no less than 14 portraits of him, his three spouses and children in the Regentenkamer at the right side of the beautiful Renaissance style gate. A stern looking man. Son of a priest and his housekeeper Arend specialized in accounting. Through different marriages he manoeuvered himself cleverly upwards and became a pivotal member of Dordrecht's elite. His reputation among the common people was rather tarnished by his practice as a moneylender charging usury interest. Towards the end of this long life (died at the age of 74 in 1629) he made philantropic gestures like the founding of this 'hofje' where poor women and widows of soldiers could find a decent place to live. Was Arend fearing God's judgement? Not only the dwellings and gate are beautiful but also the five majestic platans in the center of the court.See more..
In the old centre of Hellevoetsluis,one is still able to see how Hellevoet was protected by old walls and bunkers during many centuries. As a child I used to play here and enjoy the scenery and during summer the festival was held there. Nowadays one can get guided tours. See more..
3.5Rijksmonument De Visbanken(17 reviews) - Old Fishmarkets Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Next to the Gouwe old fish markets are now in summer used for lunch or dinner. A special place for a drink or a good bite.See more..
The historic Katwijk lighthouse was built in 1605 to bring home Katwijk’s own fishermen. Now it is a museum and a viewtower. The old shrimping ship KW88 “Zorg en Hoop” (care and hope) has been attractively positioned in front of the lighthouse. See more..
Maassluis (Meuse lock) has a long history dating back to 1340 when a settlement was founded near a lock in the sea barrier. Due to a bombardment by the Allies in 1943 a large part of the old early 17th century town was destroyed. Still many interesting buildings such as Gemeenlandshuis from 1626, old city hall (1650) and the Groote Kerk (1639) as well as other historic buildings survived. Moreover the structure of the town is still very much 17th century. Very distinctive from other old Dutch cities, because of the lock combined with the old fishing port.See more..
4.0Augustijnenkerk(14 reviews) - Beautiful old church with pipe organ Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
The historically very valuable church is open for viewing at various times. During the year, the church is open on Saturdays from April to October and at the Christmas market (Saturday) in December. The church will also be open on Sunday afternoon during the National Heritage Day. On these Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm guided tours are given by the volunteers of the Foundation Augustinian Church. On these Saturdays there are organ concerts at 2 p.m. which you can find in the activity agenda on the website.See more..
4.5Museummolen de Walvisch(11 reviews) - Great history of Mills in Schiedam Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Fabulous little museum. Lots of interactive information from films to audio and display items. Friendly and helpful team working there too. See more..
5.0StadswandelingenGouda(10 reviews) - Great tour of the city! Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Monuments & Statues • Scenic Walking Areas
A historic city walk in the historic center of Gouda. You will walk in a small group of max. 15 people. The experienced guides show you the most beautiful and interesting places in Gouda. The small scale of the city is attractive for walking. You will be surprised what Gouda has to offer. You are welcome. RobertSee more..
This looks out of a fantasy book, the colours of flowers all around, and this farmhouse in it. Its a perfect place to stop to take pictures and enjoy the quite moment of taking such beautiful colours.See more..
4.0De Stenen Baak(7 reviews) - A beaufully restored very old lighthouse Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
It takes a little walk and the knowledge to get to the site. Together with The Kogeloven a prime site to visitSee more..
3.5Oude dorpskern Barendrecht(7 reviews) - Little gem in an upcoming suburb Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
The old village center has not lost its charm during the last decade when Barendrecht grew enormously and ten dubbeld its inhabitants. Worth wildly visiting.See more..
For ages -until 1911- the tower served as a lighthouse. On the first floor there is an interesting exhibition about lighthouses as well as of the history of the Goedereede tower. Originally the Gothic style tower, completed in 1512, was attached to a church that fell into disrepair and was demolished at the end of the 1600s. The small Dutch reformed church nearby was built in 1706. The view from the top of the tower is spectacular.See more..
3.5Kaaipoort(5 reviews) - Quay Gate Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Walking Areas
In the Eastern wall of the Brielle fortress from 1709 (well-restored in the 1970s) this gate provided access to the city from the nearby quay. It is relatively small and narrow. The masonry shows the craftmanship of the builders. The original guardhouse (now a normal dwelling) is still intact. The word 'kaai' (quay) is still very much used in Flanders. The Dutch nowadays use the word 'kade'.See more..
4.0De Vier Gekroonden(5 reviews) - Attractive old house Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Walking down Naaierstraat we admired this cute little house with its late gothic tracery and large, colourful frieze representing stone masons and bricklayers at work. There probably was a statue in the empty space between the panels, otherwise there would have been some tracery. Maybe a Madonna? The name of the house, ‘The Four Crowned Ones’ (‘De Vier gekroonden’ in Dutch) refers to four men who, according to Christian tradition, were killed on order of Roman emperor Diocletian because they refused to sculpt a pagan statue. They became the patron saints of stonemasons, stonecutters and bricklayers. It is not known for certain who crafted the frieze but historic data confirm both a bricklayer and a stonemason lived in the house. Architecture lovers may want to have a look at other interesting houses on Naaierstraat, dating mainly from the 17th and/or the 18th century (for instance at Numbers 2, 5, 12, 13-14, 15, 16, 21-22).See more..
een zeer grondige gerenoveerde stoomboot in een prachtige staat te bewonderen in één van de havengeulen. iets om te genieten. laat het maar stomen.See more..
When I saw this small quaint house surrounded by water at Bastion II for the first time, I thought how nice it must have been to live in a free standing house like that. After reading, I understood this is a camouflaged old powder bunker. Gunpowder used to be essential in the defense strategy of a city. It was difficult to store safely. The authorities in Brielle were smart enough to find a solution. The original gunpowder house was built in 1653 at a safe distance from residential areas and with ditches around. A pity that during a renovation in the 1970s the unique barrel shaped vault structure was removed.See more..
The original wooden sash lock dates from 1774 (design 1772), was restored in 1972 and 2015. It still serves as a weir, but boats can not longer pass. Elevation difference between Heulsloot and Rotte lakes is 1.2m. Important Dutch heritage. The surroundings are very beautiful as well.See more..
4.5Fort Buitensluis(3 reviews) - Nice small fort, too bad about the somewhat grumpy caretaker Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Historic Walking Areas • Castles • Monuments & Statues
Fort Buitensluis is a unique monumental object, located near the river Hollandsch Diep. The fort is certainly worth a visit. The entrance is free. Walking routes have been plotted, on some dates, guided tours are available and you can make a boat trip with the unique landing craft L9512. In the fort you can buy (soft) drinks, and visit our new roof terrace with panoramic views of the surroundingsSee more..
4.5Korenmolen Oostvoorne(3 reviews) - Great Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Built in 1821 this stone mill is a truly historic site, one of the few in Oostvoorne. After a thorough restoration in 2004 the mill is again functional (first Saturday of each month). When I visited in April the mill was closed, but I understand the visitor center will soon be fully operational (check their website). Within cycling distance from Rotterdam (just under 40 km via the South bank of the Maas river), just over 30 km following the North bank and taking the ferry at Maassluis - Rozenburg). Choose a day without too much wind. It is possible to take your bike on the metro e.g. to Spijkenisse and cycle from there (no extra charge, but not allowed during peak hours).See more..
4.5Lange Poort(3 reviews) - One of the two remaining city gates Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Langepoort looks robust. It was built in 1704/1705 as part of the modernization of the Brielle fortifications during a time, walls with narrow gates were still seen as helpful protection against enemy attack. Effectiveness was already undermined by the use of gunpowder. The gate structure is slightly slanted. The presence of a 'ravelijn' (small defense island) at its westside suggests it is a long entrance, perhaps explaining why the gate is called 'lange poort' (long gate). Cars can still enter the city here, though the street behind the gate has been closed off for motorized traffic. Walking through the gate feels a bit like going through a tunnel. Langepoort and Kaaipoort are the only two 18th century city gates that have remained more or less intact.See more..
4.0Grote Kerk Schoonhoven(3 reviews) - Historic with grave of Olivier van Noort Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals
Though in Gothic style the colossal structure looks a bit over the top. Perhaps the most remarkable part of the church is the 15th century tower. It survived due to extensive restoration work in tthe period 1927-1934. Concrete reinforcements were used to keep it standing. Olivier van Noort's grave is in the church. The great Dutch explorer died in Schoonhoven in 1627.See more..
4.0Dalempoort(3 reviews) - Beautiful Port Near Historic Gate Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas
A small group had the pleasure to walk through Gorinchem, which had so much history and culture and beauty. This area was like stepping back a few centuries in time. And a lovely port view.See more..
Renovated in the 1960s this former former (military) guardhouse now serves as an ordinary dwelling. So be discrete when observing the place. The original mid 18th century square functional structure is still well recognizable. The old watergate it used to guard has long been demolished. There are many similar structures in the Netherlands for instance in Maastricht and Geertruidenberg. The one in Jutphaas where once 137 soldiers could be accommodated was probably one of the largest.See more..
4.5Monster Hervormde Kerk(2 reviews) - Impressive church restored in 1902 Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals
The original historic church burned down in 1901. After the fire the church was restored using the 1450s format. It is an enormous building, but not monstrous. The name of the village Monster is most probably derived from the Latin word 'monasterium', a name not just used for monasteries, but also for important churches such as this one. The original medieval church was dedicated to Machutus, a saint believed to be able to cure epilepsy. For centuries Monster was an important place of pilgrimage. Of course the tradition ended after the Reformation. The church is still the center of the Protestant community in Monster.See more..
3.5St. Martinuskerk Zwartewaal(2 reviews) - Village Church Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals
On the way home we passed this small fisher village and stopped for a while. We could park our car near the war monument of the village. It was sunday so there was almost nobody on the street. We walked around and found this small church behind the village school. The church was not open so we walked around the church as we usually did.See more..
4.0Kijfhoekkerk(2 reviews) - Rustige wandeling op eerste drukke buiten-zijn-dag. Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals
Op een landelijk erg drukke en warm-zonnige februari dag wandelden we langs het riviertje de Devel. Het kleine oude Kijfhoek kerkje is een bezoekje zeker waard. Het gebied met dit kerkje ligt in het landelijke gebied tussen Zwijndrecht en Heerjansdam. Dorry en TonSee more..
4.0Korenmolen De Vier Winden(2 reviews) - Historic mill still functional Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Since 1311 there has been a mill at this site. The present stone structure was built in 1882 after a fire devastated the old mill. It functioned on a commercial basis until 1932. Monster has few historic buildings left, but this mill is definitely one of the finest. Hard to imagine that once the Monster area was agricultural land where wheat was cultivated and grinded at this mill. Due to corona the mill was closed for visitors. Normally it is open on Saturday afternoon from 14:00 to 17:00.See more..
4.5Hervormde Kerk Haastrecht(2 reviews) - After fires struck Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals
The original (late gothic) structure dates from the 14th century, but the church was struck by fire many times (1511, 1575, 1896, 1964) after which only the walls and tower were left standing. There were also many adjustments and extensions. Still the church as it is now looks like a gem.See more..
4.0Oude Raadhuis(2 reviews) - Pleasant surprise in Naaldwijk Historic Sites
Didn't know Naaldwijk had a historic city hall. The building dates from 1561 though it has been restored and altered several times during the 17th century. Beautiful facade with Lady Justice reminding people, once also justice was done here.See more..
