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That Middelburg, capital of the Zeeland Province in the south-western Netherlands, is an old city is immediately apparent thanks to its abundance of historic buildings and remarkable architecture. Less obvious is that almost a third of the city's ancient buildings were destroyed by the German Luftwaffe during World War II. Unbowed, the city painstakingly rebuilt and restored its lost buildings after the conflict, restoring Middelburg to its pre-war glory.
Middelburg originated as a fortified town in the early Middle Ages, its defences intended to repel Viking raiders. By the twelfth century Middelburg has achieved city status and in subsequent centuries became a prosperous trading centre; the second most important after Amsterdam for the Dutch East India company.
Today, the city's historical legacy is remarkably well-preserved. The pedestrianised central area of the city is dominated by the Markt, a large open square where markets are held each week. Here, one of the city's most outstanding architectural gems can be seen: the Stadhuis. Originally built in the Gothic style in the fifteenth century this stunning former town hall was painstakingly restored after sustaining wartime damage.
Exploring Middelburg on foot reveals many more remarkable buildings from the twelfth century Abdji (abbey) complex to several churches which date from the fourteenth century onwards, as well as the city's many shops, museums and other attractions.
More about Middelburg
Zeeuws Museum
The Zeeuws Museum, located at the Abbey near the centre of the
city, contains the largest collection of Zeeland cultural and
historical artefacts in the world including traditional costumes,
tapestries, classical, contemporary and modern art, archaeological
finds, jewellery, silverware, ceramics and items of natural history
such as fossils and shells.
The Abbey of Our Lady
Established in 1150 around a central cloister, Middelburg's abbey
complex contains the Abbot's lodgings, three churches, a refectory,
vaulted cellar, chapterhouse and the octagonal ninety-one-metre
tall Lange Jan (Long John) tower, which offers exceptional
panoramic views.
Utropia Botanical Gardens
One of Middelburg's more recent visitor attractions is Utropia, a
botanical garden and aviaries in which visitors can get close to
many species of free-flying tropical birds including parrots,
cockatoos and lorikeets. The gardens also feature koi carp ponds
where the fish may be hand-fed and an enclosure in which
prairie-dogs live.
Middelburg's Canals
Waterways run through the heart of old Middelburg, and following
canal towpaths on foot or bicycle is a great way to explore the
city. Seventeenth and eighteenth century storehouses line the
canals, whilst pretty houseboats are moored on the water. Cruising
the waterways in an open-topped boat provides a new perspective on
this picturesque city.
Discover the magnificent floral displays of the Keukenhof Gardens and enjoy a talk onboard ship from television personality Charlie Dimmock on this wonderfully diverse cruise on the enchanting Belgian and Dutch waterways.
On this tour we uncover the beautiful historic cities of Amsterdam, Ghent and Antwerp as well as the Battlefields of Ypres, the spectacular Keukenhof tulips and the Hoorn-Medemblik steam train. We also enjoy a talk from army veteran and battlefields expert Colonel Piers Storie-Pugh OBE on this memorable river cruise.
… see more8 days from £1,395 pp
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By Persephone Hallow
12 April 2017
River cruising is becoming one of the most popular holiday choices, particularly for leisurely travellers over 60, offering a scenic escape with some wonderful perks. Today we’re exploring why the river cruise has become so popular in recent years, and whether it might just be the right holiday for you.
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Excellent travel to/from Amsterdam and the ship was first class. Good choice of destinations throughout. The only negative - WiFi. In this day and age and bearing in mind our location and the quality of the ship, I would expect good WiFi connectivity throughout.