Czar Peter 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.