This website is an initiative of the Municipality of Middelburg to inspire and inform visitors and tourists about our beautiful capital of Zeeland.
Together with Tourist Info Middelburg and all the entrepreneurs, we do everything possible to make your visit fantastic.
There are many possibilities to book a city trip with a stay in one of our many hotels or B & Bs. There are numerous restaurants where you can have a very nice lunch or dinner. And there is plenty to do, from cultural to sports activities. And don't forget the many nice markets and fairs or events in town. You will find everything in the agenda.
We look forward to seeing you in Middelburg!
The character of Middelburg
The municipality of Middelburg is located on Walcheren, is the capital of Zeeland and has about 50,000 inhabitants. The historic city center largely determines the face of Middelburg. Surrounding the center are seven districts and four cores,
together they form the municipality of Middelburg. The districts each have their own character and peculiarities. In addition, there are four unique cores: Arnemuiden, Kleverskerke, Sint Laurens and Nieuw- en Sint Joosland. Middelburgers are proud of their municipality.
Our monumental center is actually one big backdrop. It inspires artists and attracts lovers of art, culture and heritage. As a result, Middelburg is also a tourist city as well as a shopping city where creative entrepreneurs stand up who know how to surprise people. That spirit of commerce typifies Middelburg.
There are some 1,200 monuments in the inner city. This makes us one of the most important monument cities in the Netherlands. But Middelburg is more than monuments. There are many facilities, which fit the regional function of Middelburg.
Also, from the inner city you are in no time in the greenery or on the beach. Perfect for hiking, relaxing, exploring and playing.
Organizations, residents and administrators also refer to Middelburg as "human rights city" and "city of the four freedoms."
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History of Middelburg
Middelburg originated in the 9th century when the Vikings entered Europe on a conquest tour. As protection against the invasions of the land conquerors, a ring walburg was raised, a fortress around which a high earthen wall was built. It is the "Middle Castle" of Walcheren, later Middelburg.
As the threat passed, the castle began to benefit from its favorable location on the River Arne. It develops into a lively trading center. When Norbertine monks build an abbey in the fortress in the 12th century, a second boom period ensues. In 1217 Middelburg was granted city rights.
After the capture of Den Briel in 1572, the population initially remained loyal to the Spanish king, but in 1574 Middelburg also had to join William of Orange. The Norbertines must leave and the abbey falls into the hands of the regional government, which is still housed there today.
VOC
At the time of the VOC, Middelburg was the second most important city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam. Shipwrights build over 300 new ships in the shipyards in 200 years, and the import and export of cloth, tea and spices also play a major role. By 1799, however, the VOC's heyday is over. The Company is bankrupt and the French era begins. This does the city no good. The French leave Middelburg impoverished in the early 19th century and many buildings, ramparts and city gates disappear. Nevertheless, there are still more than 1,000 legally registered monuments standing.
World War II to the present
During World War II, much of Middelburg goes up in flames due to bombardment. Due to timely warnings, the death toll is relatively moderate, but the inner city is largely in ruins. It was decided to renovate or rebuild the existing architecture, including the Town Hall, in the original style. This has allowed Middelburg to retain its historic character.
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