Description: Havik is the name of a street and typically Dutch and very photogenic. This part of Amersfoort used to be the artisan and merchant quarter. In the old days, this was the inland harbour and thus an important place, because in the old days, most transport was by water.
There are several noteworthy buildings:
The Salvation Army Building, which dates back to 1664.
The Beer Brewers' Guild House on number 35. Apprentices were trained to become masters. The house to the right of the Brewers' House dates back to 1618 and used to be an entrance to a covered alleyway. Then the alleyway was given a front, a back and a roof so it could be used as a house.
De Witte Huisjes. The white houses near the bridge used to be a pub. The church singers would come here to avoid listening to the sermon. The pub used to be called "The Little Church."
Across the street you can see Elleboogkerk, now the Armando Museum. It is dedicated to the works of Armando, a sculptor, writer, violin player, and film and theatre director. Between 1939 and 1949, he lived close to the internment camp. The themes of Armando’s work are the past, memories, and sadness.
From time immemorial, Amersfoort has been renowned for its beer. In the old days, its many breweries exported beer to Amsterdam. In the Middle Ages, tap water was not safe to drink, so people drank beer instead because after fermentation, it was germ free.
The only brewery left is De Drie Ringen at Kleine Spui 18, where the brewing master will tell you all about the brewing process and where you can taste Amersfoort Blond, a very light-coloured, tasty beer.
The brewery is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm and admission is free.
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