Middelburg

Middelburg is the capital of the province of Zeeland and has a rich past. Middelburg originated in the 9th century when the Vikings invaded Europe. To protect the island of Walcheren against intruders, a ring fortress was erected. After the threat of conquerors had passed, the fortress began to benefit from its favorable location by the water and developed into a trading center. Since this fortress was the middle fortress of Walcheren, the city was named Middelburg. During the time of the VOC (Dutch East India Company), Middelburg was, after Amsterdam, the most important city in the Netherlands. Over 200 years, more than 300 new ships were built in the shipyards. These ships departed for Asia to trade in spices, textiles, and porcelain, among other things. In the center of Middelburg, there are still buildings that remind us of this golden era. After a bombing in 1940, in which a devastating fire caused much of the city to be lost, Middelburg was rebuilt in a traditional style. Besides historical monuments, modern architecture is also abundantly present. Middelburg is truly a city with its own character. There are intimate squares, charming streets, cozy cafes, and alongside the large chain stores, you can also find unique boutiques, galleries, and art dealers.