rich history
Along the picturesque shores of the Eastern Scheldt estuary, Zierikzee is a charming town that embodies the quintessential beauty of the Netherlands. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and serene waterfront, Zierikzee is a hidden gem that captivates visitors from around the world.
One of the most striking features of Zierikzee is its well-preserved medieval architecture. The town boasts an array of historic buildings, including the majestic Sint-Lievensmonstertoren tower, which offers panoramic views of the town and its surroundings. Cobblestone streets wind through the town, leading to quaint shops, cafes, and charming houses with traditional Dutch gables.
Zierikzee’s maritime heritage is evident in its bustling harbor and maritime museum, where visitors can explore the town’s connection to the sea. The town’s proximity to water also makes it a haven for seafood enthusiasts, offering fresh catches and delectable treats.
Beyond its physical beauty, Zierikzee exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The locals take pride in their town’s heritage, and their friendliness adds to the town’s appeal.
Whether you’re exploring its historic streets, savoring local delicacies, or simply taking in the tranquil ambiance, Zierikzee offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. This small Dutch town leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to experience its enchanting charm.
The shopping heart of Zierikzee has a pleasant bustle, especially in the tourist season.
The Saint Lievens monstertoren
The Sint-Lievensmonstertoren is the most eye-catching monument of Zierikzee. With its 62 meters, it is the highest tower in the city. The tower is also popularly called the Fat Tower.
It was assumed that the tower should have been about 180 to 200 meters. New calculations of the tower’s crown design show that it should have been about 130 meters high. That is higher than the Utrecht Dom Tower.
The unfinished tower was finally given a cantilevered frame. On top of that, a bell house with emergency roof was built. This was completed in the years of the 16th century. Over time, the tower lost much of its beauty. Numerous decorations disappeared, especially in the 18th century. The wooden tower crowning was demolished in 1835. In 1839/1840 a new roof was built. In addition, a cornice and a balustrade were installed. The tower has also been used for religions.
PORT CHANNEL
The Havenkanaal (Port channel) was dug in 1597-1599.
Because the Gouwe, from the Zuid- and Noordhavenpoort via the Sas to the Dijkwater, silted up and became virtually inaccessible for ships, a new waterway was dug to the city. The city canal (now the Nieuwe Haven) was widened and equipped with a quay wall as a mooring place for ships. The official inauguration took place on March 13, 1599. The Nieuwe Haven is a real tidal harbor where the difference in water level varies from 3 to 3.5 metres.
zUIDHAVENPOORT
The Zuidhavenpoort is one of the three city gates of the city of Zierikzee, in the Dutch province of Zeeland. The Zuidhavenpoort is located at the entrance of the old city harbour next to the Noordhavenpoort.
The gate was built in the 15th century. The brick gatehouse has four corner towers. The dome tower was renewed in 1858. Hung here is the oldest carillon in the Netherlands (1554), from the old town hall.
The Zuidhavenpoort is one of the three city gates of Zierikzee.
The Zuidhavenpoort is located at the entrance of the old city harbour next to the Noordhavenpoort.
The gate was built in the 15th century. The brick gatehouse has four corner towers. The dome tower was renewed in 1858. Hung here is the oldest carillon in the Netherlands (1554), from the old town hall.
The Nobelpoort
The Nobelpoort is one of the three remaining city gates of the city of Zierikzee, in the Dutch province of Zeeland. The gate is situated inland and dates from the middle of the 14th century. The origin of the name is unclear. In front of the gate was originally a drawbridge. Until 1866 the gates were closed every evening.
Seal safari from Zierikzee
One of the highlights of Zierikzee is a seal trip to one of the sand plains in the Oosterschelde, where the seals are lazing around. On the way you can meet porpoises.
The very first stamps on which Zierikzee carried her coat of arms date from the 13th century. Zierikzee obtained city rights either in 1217, or between 1219 and 1222. The seals showed a lion from the beginning, possibly this is the lion of
There are several theories about the origin of the cross that covers the coat of arms: it can be an Andreas cross or a weaving coil, which refers to the cloth industry. Another theory indicates that it is a diamond window with cross rod.
The storm of 1134 was the immediate reason to provide Schouwen with a ring dike. On the southeast side of the island of Schouwen, where the Gouwe flowed and turned into the Scheldt, Zierikzee arose. From the Gouwe ran a creek, which penetrated the island.
In 1248 the city rights of Zierikzee were confirmed and expanded by Count William II of Holland. The first city rights were granted between 1217 and 1220 but the exact date is not known. At the end of the Middle Ages, Zierikzee was a strategically important place in Zeeland and its surroundings.
In 1303 and 1304 the city was besieged several times by Flemish troops led by Guy of Namur.
Battle of Zierikzee
The Flemings failed to capture Zierikzee and were finally defeated at the Battle of Zierikzee on 11 August 1304 by a Zeeland-French fleet, during which Guy of Namur was captured.
The following year, on 23 June 1305, the Treaty of Athis-sur-Orge between the County of Flanders and the Kingdom of France was concluded to settle the balance of power between them.
