The “In the Footsteps of Erasmus” walk on Crazy Saturday is a special city tour that takes place only once a year. On this day, we tell the story of Gouda in 1511, when *The Praise of Folly* was published—the groundbreaking and still-relevant book by Erasmus, one of Gouda’s most famous residents of all time.
“Erasmus, child of Gouda.” This affectionate nickname is often used to refer to the great humanist in our city. And he truly was a child of Gouda, for his roots lie here. Unfortunately for him, he was born out of wedlock, and that weighed heavily on him throughout his highly successful life.
During his childhood in Gouda, Erasmus went by the plain Dutch name Geert Geerts. Later, he turned his back on the town of his youth for good and led a life as an internationally respected scholar. It was then that he chose the name Desiderius Erasmus, familiar to us all, with the additional designation Roterodamus (from Rotterdam). Could he have done so for a special reason? While staying at the Stein monastery near Haastrecht, he regularly visited Gouda to see friends and acquaintances. Among other places, he visited the home of a wealthy widow.
During the special walking tour following in Erasmus’ footsteps on Crazy Saturday, you’ll get to know the man and his ideas better.
Would you like more information about Desiderius Erasmus? Click here
This introductory walking tour is offered exclusively in Dutch.
Participants:
Maximum of 20 people per guide. If there are more people, we will assign an additional guide.
Booking:
You can book via our websiteuntil the start of the walk. You will then automatically see if and how many spots are still available.
On the day of the tour, you can also book and pay at the VVV only if online booking and payment are not possible. This applies, for example, to international participants.
Payment:
The rate in 2026 (unless otherwise stated) is €5 per person. Children under 12 are free. You must pay immediately via iDeal when booking.
Start:
2:00 PM at the Waag
Duration:
The walk takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Information
End: 15:30p.m.
