Middelburg is a delightful town in Zeeland. I'd love to introduce you to all the sights of our charming little town. We also organize a wonderful bike tour in and around Middelburg!
Marcel
Your Host
Welcome to Middelburg
Middelburg has a rich history dating back to the 9th century. When the Vikings invaded Europe, three strategic ring fortifications were built on Walcheren for defense. The name Middelburg refers to the settlement’s location: it was the middle of these three Walcheren forts.
The city was granted official city rights in 1217, marking the start of a period of great prosperity. Thanks to its favorable location on the Walcheren waterways, Middelburg developed into an important trading center. Merchants from all over Europe found their way to the Zeeland city.
During the Golden Age, Middelburg reached its peak as the seat of the Zeeland Chamber of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The prosperity of that era is still visible in the beautiful canal houses and monumental buildings that adorn the historic city center.
Although Middelburg was severely affected during the Second World War, the city center has been carefully restored. Today, the capital of Zeeland combines its rich past with a vibrant present, where history and modern amenities blend harmoniously.
Abbey
The oldest and most central building in Middelburg is the abbey. Founded by Norbertine monks in 1100 within the oldest ring rampart, it later evolved into the abbey with two churches and the abbey tower: Lange Jan (Long John). Catholic life ended in 1574 at the end of the siege of Middelburg, and the abbey continued as Hof van Zeeland (Court of Zeeland).
The building has housed many administrative bodies, including the provincial government to this day. It is also a cultural center, home to the Zeeuws Museum. Concerts and other festivities are often held on the leafy square.
Market
The central point of Middelburg. Since the Middle Ages, people have gathered there for the market. Most of the centuries-old buildings were destroyed by the war on May 17, 1940, but fortunately were quickly rebuilt in a historical manner.
Many festivities take place in the shadow of the centuries-old town hall, and there are pleasant terraces. The charming shopping streets all begin at the market square. The weekly market on Thursdays and a lively antiques market in the summer bring a lively atmosphere, and even in winter, you’ll be surrounded by a pleasant atmosphere on the covered, heated terraces and the indoor ice rink.
