European city of the year is a little-known place you can reach by train from the UK

A LESSER-KNOWN city has been selected as the best in Europe this year, with some saying it’s like Amsterdam, only more peaceful and relaxing.

Amersfoort is the 15th biggest city in the Netherlands, but according to the Academy of Urbanists (AoU), it’s an example for the rest of the continent.

It was named European City of the Year at the academy’s annual Urbanism Awards 2023, due to its forward thinking ideas and quality of life for residents.

Jon Phipps European City Co-Lead Assessor for the AoU said: “Amersfoort benefits from a shared long-term vision for the city which prioritises improving citizens’ quality of life.

“Well-resourced forward planning, development control, and regeneration teams enable this vision through detailed policies and impressive new infrastructure, while maintaining its unique heritage and character.

“The wellbeing and happiness of all of citizens is clearly the focus.”

Luckily for Brits, it’s pretty easy to reach Amersfoort, with a train linking it to Dutch capital Amsterdam.

The journey takes just 40 minutes and takes visitors to somewhere offering a much more laid back experience.

: “Just 40 minutes away from Amsterdam by rail there is an alternative that offers heritage, canals and art – with fewer crowds.

“In winter, its cobbled squares look much like the scenery of traditional city life 

“Fairy lights decorate the streets and the 15th-century Onze-Lieve-Vrouwetoren (The Tower of Our Lady), the third-highest church tower in the Netherlands, overlooks the city.”

The tower is one of the most famous sights in the city, along with Koppelpoort and Kamperbinnenpoort – all of which are examples of the Medieval architecture in Amersfoort.

The tower was built along with a church to honour a small clay statue of the Virgin Mary, which pilgrims used to travel to the city from far and wide to see because it was said to perform miracles.

Decades later, an explosion destroyed the church, but the tower survived unscathed.

Meanwhile, Koppelpoort and Kamperbinnenpoort are both gates into the city, which were used to protect it from attacks and to keep people out.

There is also the Monnikendam, a water gateway, another part of the city’s defensive walls.

Visit Utrecht describes the walls as a “must see” part of Amersfoort.

More of the city’s quaint architecture can be seen in the Murrhuizen area – a selection of homes built when the city expanded in the 15th century.

The homes are built from the remnants of the old wall after it was destroyed, in a very ramshackle way, making them both historically and aesthetically interesting.

Christmas is arguably the best time to visit Amersfoort, with each of its boroughs is designated a weekend in which to host a festive celebration.

Warme Wintermarkt in De Nieuwe Stad is arguably the standout of this period, with a Christmas market selling festive treats and unusual Christmas gifts.

Meanwhile, there’s also a lantern parade in Soesterkwartie and another Christmas market in Elleboogkerk (Elleboog church), where the resident’s meet to drink hot chocolate and mulled wine.

There are other booze-based attractions to enjoy in Amersfoort as well, including the Stadsbrouwerij De Drie Ringen brewery.

It can be found overlooking the Koppelpoort gate and visitors can sample its many different tipples, along with a few snacks, by the canal.

While there, visitors can truly appreciate the city’s rich history, with saying it’s like stepping back in time.

They wrote: “Amersfoort’s greatest treasure is its rich past. Its multitude of historic buildings, quaint streets, canals and subtle details transport you to the city’s medieval roots.

“It has wall-houses, splendid city gates and a multitude of historic sites, to visit Amersfoort is to step far back into the past.”

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