Escorted Rail Tours to Middelburg
Dutch culture, history and stunning meet in Zeeland’s capital city
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.
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.