Perhaps the name Wittewerf doesn’t immediately conjure vivid images. Yet this small community holds a unique place in the story of Marken and Waterland. Wittewerf is a hamlet. It is part of the municipality of Waterland in the province of Noord-Holland.
Wittewerf sits south of De Kets and Kerkbuurt. It is just northwest of Grotewerf. You might also see the name spelled as Witte Werf.
The name Wittewerf gives a clue to its origins. “Werf” refers to a terp. This is an artificial mound built to provide safe ground during floods. The name likely comes from the Wit(te) family. They were probably the owners or founders of this werf.
Like other “werven” south of Wittewerf, most of the houses here date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Over time, these homes have been renovated. This blend of old and new gives Wittewerf its unique charm.
Wittewerf is nestled between the end of the Kruisbaakweg dike road and the Zereiderpad. The Zereiderpad likely once connected Monnikenwerf with Kloosterwerf. Monnikenwerf is now part of Kerkbuurt. Kloosterwerf was swallowed by the Zuiderzee. Monks established these two “werven” in the 13th century. Later, the path connected the southern inhabited “werven”.
Amsterdam is known as the “Venice of the North” for its many canals. But Wittewerf offers a different kind of waterside experience. It is a glimpse into the history of land reclamation and community. This is a story of people building their homes on higher ground.
Amsterdam itself began as a small fishing village in the 13th century. It was located behind a dike. This protected it from the Amstel river. The city was first called Amstelredam. This referred to the dam in the Amstel river. Like Amsterdam, Wittewerf shows how the Dutch have long battled and lived with water.
Amsterdam is famously built on poles. It needs these to support its buildings. Wittewerf’s terp construction is another approach to building on less stable ground.
So, as you stand here in Wittewerf. Consider the story of this small community. Think about its connection to the larger story of the Netherlands. It is a land shaped by water and human ingenuity. The story of Wittewerf is a reminder of the enduring connection between the people and the land. It also shows their resilience in the face of nature’s challenges.