Czaar Peterhuisje (Tsar Peter's House), Zaandam (must see)
The Czar Peter House is most famous for being the place where Tsar Peter I of Russia stayed in 1697 during his Grand Embassy. The building itself dates back to 1632.
Peter had previously encountered the Zaandam blacksmith and craftsman Gerrit Kist when Kist had worked for the tsar in Moscow. When Peter visited the Zaanstreek region, he insisted on staying at Kist's home, despite Kist's protests that his house was a humble dwelling shared with the widow of one of his workers. The widow was compensated to vacate the premises, and Peter spent a week as Kist's houseguest. The tsar was traveling incognito under the name Peter Michaeloff, and although Kist did not reveal his guest's true identity, it didn't take long for Peter to be recognized, making his observations in the area somewhat challenging.
Peter's primary goal was to learn more about the Dutch shipbuilding industry, and armed with this knowledge, along with other insights acquired during the Grand Embassy, he aimed to initiate a period of modernization and growth in Russia. During this time, the Dutch Republic was one of the most advanced and developed countries in the world.
Although Peter's stay at the house was relatively brief, he would return several times, with his final visit occurring in 1717.
In 1895, a new stone covering was constructed over the house to protect it, and this addition was designed by the architect Salm, best known for his work on the Artis Aquarium in Amsterdam. The cover was later designated as a national monument in 2001, signifying the historical significance of the Czar Peter House, both in its original form and after the renovation.
Today, the house is an integral part of the Zaans Museum and is open to visitors, allowing them to explore the historical importance of this place where Tsar Peter the Great once stayed.
Peter had previously encountered the Zaandam blacksmith and craftsman Gerrit Kist when Kist had worked for the tsar in Moscow. When Peter visited the Zaanstreek region, he insisted on staying at Kist's home, despite Kist's protests that his house was a humble dwelling shared with the widow of one of his workers. The widow was compensated to vacate the premises, and Peter spent a week as Kist's houseguest. The tsar was traveling incognito under the name Peter Michaeloff, and although Kist did not reveal his guest's true identity, it didn't take long for Peter to be recognized, making his observations in the area somewhat challenging.
Peter's primary goal was to learn more about the Dutch shipbuilding industry, and armed with this knowledge, along with other insights acquired during the Grand Embassy, he aimed to initiate a period of modernization and growth in Russia. During this time, the Dutch Republic was one of the most advanced and developed countries in the world.
Although Peter's stay at the house was relatively brief, he would return several times, with his final visit occurring in 1717.
In 1895, a new stone covering was constructed over the house to protect it, and this addition was designed by the architect Salm, best known for his work on the Artis Aquarium in Amsterdam. The cover was later designated as a national monument in 2001, signifying the historical significance of the Czar Peter House, both in its original form and after the renovation.
Today, the house is an integral part of the Zaans Museum and is open to visitors, allowing them to explore the historical importance of this place where Tsar Peter the Great once stayed.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Zaandam. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Czaar Peterhuisje (Tsar Peter's House) on Map
Sight Name: Czaar Peterhuisje (Tsar Peter's House)
Sight Location: Zaandam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Zaandam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Zaandam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Zaandam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Zaandam, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Zaandam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Zaandam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Windmills Village Walk
Windmills Village, or Zaanse Schans, as it's known locally, is a truly unique place in the Netherlands. In this quaint location, packed to the brim with postcard-perfect wooden houses, windmills, and barns, one can easily experience what life was like in the country back in the 1850s.
Among the village's top highlights is the Museum of the Dutch Clock. Home to a stunning collection of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Among the village's top highlights is the Museum of the Dutch Clock. Home to a stunning collection of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Zaandam Introduction Walking Tour
Although historically significant as such, Zaandam, a charming old town on the banks of the Zaan River in the northwestern part of the Netherlands, does not have the same level of worldwide recognition as some larger cities. Despite its close proximity to Amsterdam, Zaandam has a plethora of tourist attractions of its own, readily available for those who seek them.
The name "Zaandam"... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
The name "Zaandam"... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles