IBC2011 Social Programme

Shoonhoven and Lunch at Montfoort Castle

Schoonhoven
A visit to Schoonhoven is an introduction to the rich past of the century-old art of silversmithing according to traditional methods; a tradition which is continued in numerous shops and silversmith workshops.

We will explore Schoonhoven by doing The Silver Walk. This walk will allow you to acquaint yourself with Schoonhoven’s silver. The walk (approx. 1 hour) takes you along the most important places of interest and monuments of the town. There are also many interesting galleries along the way during this walk.

Visit the Dutch Silver Museum
The museum has a collection of 4 centuries of Silver in the Netherlands; we will have a specialised guide throughout the museum.

Lunch will then be held at Kasteel Montfoort.

Historical Amersfoort and De Kastanjehof

Amersfoort
The old city of Amersfoort originated from a number of small brooks flowing together form the Eem (Amer) river. A ford was created, allowing for an attractive shipping route and crossing- place. Located in the very centre of the Netherlands, Amersfoort became a geographically interesting place from the north and east, helping the city create a distinct profile for itself as an important settlement for commercial purposes.

The pattern of streets and canals has changed little since the Middle Ages. In addition to a number of historically important gates such as the Koppelpoort, the Kamperbinnenpoort and the Watergate Monnikendam, the Amersfoort city centre includes about 350 listed monuments. When exploring Amersfoort, discover the wonderful mixture of the pastoral and surprisingly modern as it used to be and is today.

Lunch will then be held at the picturesque resturant De Kastanjehof.

Amsterdam Boat trip, Portuguese Synagogue and Huize Frankendael

We will begin the day with an hour’s boat trip through the canals of Amsterdam where you will be served tea/coffee and cake.

Visit the Portuguese Synagogue
The beautiful Portuguese Synagogue, also called the Esnoga, is one of the most important legacies of the vibrant Jewish community in Amsterdam. Until the Holocaust Jews made up more than 10% of the population of Amsterdam. During the 16th and 17th century, many Jews that faced persecution in Spain and Portugal fled to Amsterdam. The religious tolerance they enjoyed in the Dutch Republic was unheard of in the rest of Europe.

In 1665, the Jewish community decided to build a new synagogue. The new synagogue was to be the biggest in the world. Architects Elias Bouwman and Daniel Stalpaert were commissioned to build the synagogue. They started building in 1671 and in 1675 the Portuguese Synagogue was ready. It had cost the community 186,000 florins. Minor restorations have been made but the synagogue still looks very much the same as 340 years ago.

Lunch will then be held at the historic and unique Huize Frankendael

Flower Bar Activity
During lunch you will be invited to try a new concept. Flower-bar is an interactive activity where people are invited to experience the sense and taste of flowers and herbs. The Flower-bar is exiting, new and an experience you will not forget.