Back in the day, Middelburg was, along with Amsterdam, the most important trading town in the Netherlands. And this can be seen everywhere you look. The stately canal houses in the city remind us of this golden period. When you walk through Middelburg, you can easily imagine yourself in earlier times. The tiny streets and winding alleyways along the canals and the abundance of monumental buildings.
Built on an extra tax on beer and wine, the wide dome of the Oostkerk elegantly peers out over the city. The beautifully Baroque domed church has many sides. From the outside, eight sides to be exact, and from within, it now functions as the premier cultural hotspot of Middelburg.
Come have a look inside this church and experience its magnificent dome from close up. And if you are looking for a cool place for your social content, the Oostkerk is a must-see in Middelburg. See you in church!
The Lange Jan has been an eye-catcher in Middelburg since the 14th century. Once you traverse the more than 200 steps you will have a spectacular view over the city and the island of Walcheren. The Lange Jan can be seen from miles away, even from outside the city, so it’s perfect to help orient yourself when you are looking to find your way to the city for a cold beer and appetizers.
Let's go!
The 900-year-old Abbey is located in the center of the city. It features four high towers, a square in the middle and is the ideal spot for people to meet. The provincial government is also seated in the Abbey, festivals are held here and it also houses the Zeeland Museum. From the square, you can reach the cloisters. This is one the most photogenic spots in Middelburg and is certainly worth a visit.
Middelburg's city hall is an imposing building that stands proudly in the heart of the historic city centre. Constructed in Gothic style, this listed building has a rich history dating back to the late Middle Ages. The residents of Middelburg affectionately call the tower of the city hall 'Malle Betje' (Silly Beth) because its clock always runs slightly behind Lange Jan's (Middelburg's famous Tall John Abbey Tower).
These days, the city hall is primarily used by UCR (University College Roosevelt), but tours are still offered during the summer season. So, make sure to include city hall in your city walk.
This magnificent 18th-century city palace, built on top of the cellars of a medieval monastery, was the home of Jacoba van den Brande and Johan Adriaan van de Perre. The house, known among the locals as Van de Perrehuis, has been carefully restored and now houses the Zeeuws Archief (Zeeland Archives). The particularly well-preserved period rooms are open to the public on Open Monumentendag (National Monument Day).
The wrought iron harbour crane at Rotterdamsekaai is one of the last two surviving Fairbairn cranes in the Netherlands. In the olden days, they were an important tool for trade and shipping. The nineteenth-century crane was restored in 2009 and once again proudly adorns the wharf.
Although the Graanbeurs (Grain Exchange) building was originally in a different location, the pavilion on Dam Square has now been given that name. The original building was demolished in 1969 as part of the rehabilitation of the city centre, and this new dwelling that arose in the clearing was given this name.
Today, the Grain Exchange is known as "Podio del Mondo per l'Arte". It serves as a stage for conceptual art. Initiated by the artist Marinus Boezem, several tiles with artists' inscriptions have since been installed to this stage.
The Gistpoort, also known as the Blauwe Poort (the Blue Gate), is one of the gate buildings that used to protect Middelburg Abbey. The gateway dates back to the 16th century and was constructed in the late Gothic style. The façade features a statue of Count William II, who expanded the abbey in 1255-1256.
The Koepoort (Cow Gate) is the only one of the eight city gates Middelburg used to have that is still preserved in its entirety. The Louis XIV-style triumphal arch is named after its medieval predecessor, which used to be on Spanjaardstraat. Whereas earlier gates had a defensive purpose, this gate was primarily intended as an ornamental gate.
You can now spend the night in the Koepoort just like the former gatekeepers, since it was transformed into a B&B in 2019.
Easy to miss, the Kuiperspoort is situated in between the Dam and Rouaanse Kaai. The courtyard owes its name to the Coopers' Guild that used to be based here, producing barrels and vats. It is a wonderful place to wander around and enjoy the charm of this historic spot with old warehouses and stepped gables.
Near the Abbey you will find the imposing Sint-Jorisdoelen, the former guildhall of the archers of St. George. Visitors cannot help but notice the beautiful façade of Sint-Jorisdoelen. It is decorated with a variety of ornaments, including the coats of arms of Middelburg, Zeeland and the archers' guild. Today, the building serves as a luxury Cityhotel.
This monument is one of many that shows how prosperous Middelburg was as a trading city. Built in Dutch Renaissance style, the Stadsschuur (City Barn) was used to store building materials and tools in the 16th century. The Stadsschuur boasts three Flemish façades, and the south façade has a sundial that dates back to 1682. The storage area and workshop were used by city management until 1998, and is now owned by an artist.
Situated close to the harbour, the Former Fishmarket used to be the trading place for the daily catch. The little picturesque square makes for a delightful resting point during your tour of Middelburg. Enjoy the peace and quiet and the view of the colonnade while you take a break on the terrace of Café Sint John.
The building of the former militia has a beautiful 19th-century façade with sandstone statues dating back to the 17th century. The history of the Schuttershof goes back a long way, and the building has been home to many establishments over the years, including restaurants, exhibition spaces and a gentlemen's society. Today, it houses night café "Rooie Oortjes" (Red Ears).
