The origin of the name Monnickendam comes from the monks who traded agricultural products here.
There has always been a thriving maritime shipping and Baltic trade and even today there are still active shipyards and eel smokehouses.
Highlights are the Sint Nicolaaskerk and the Speeltoren with a carrillion from 1596.
In the facade of the town hall a monk is depicted, the symbol of the city.
Classic flat-bottom boats depart daily for boat trips on the Markermeer.

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/north-holland/monnickendam-10.htm