ullstein bild via Getty Images

Middelburg

Wandering alongside Middelburg's majestic harbour, across its Markt and through its winding cobbled streets, you'd never guess that in 1940, German bombers destroyed much of the town's historic centre. Unlike the similarly devastated Rotterdam, Zeeland's capital was recreated rather than redesigned, and retains a historic flavour. The fortifications built by the Sea Beggars in 1595 can still be traced in the pattern of the main canals encircling the old town, and the central Markt remains the pulsing heart of the town that it has been since it was built in 1575, especially during the Thursday street market.

Explore Middelburg

A
Abdij
Dating from the 12th century, this huge abbey complex houses the regional government as well as two churches: the Koorkerk (built for the clergy) and…
S
Stadhuis
Dominating the Markt, the town hall certainly grabs the eye. It's ornately beautiful, and displays a pastiche of styles: the Gothic side facing the Markt…
Z
Zeeuws Museum
Housed in the former monks’ dormitories of the abbey complex, this museum is divided into three permanent sections: one concentrating on fashion; another…
M
Markt
On Thursdays, this huge square in the centre of town hosts a popular market where stalls sell food and household products. Its proximity to the Stadhuis,…
N
Nieuwe Kerk
Part of the original 13th-century Abdij but largely rebuilt in the 16th century after a fire extensively damaged the complex, this double-naved church is…
K
Koorkerk
Dating from the 1300s but largely rebuilt in the 16th-century after a fire devastated the Abdij complex, the vaulted Koorkerk (Choir Church) operated as a…
D
Damplein
The area around the elongated Damplein (east of the Abdij) preserves many 18th-century houses, some of which have been turned into interesting shops,…
W
Wandelkerk
Dating from the 1600s, this walkway between the two churches in the Abdij holds the tombs of Jan and Cornelis Evertsen, admirals and brothers killed…
L
Lange Jan Tower
This 91m tower is topped with a gilded imperial crown, a tribute to Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I. Climb the 200-odd steps to enjoy views over town.

A
Abdij
Dating from the 12th century, this huge abbey complex houses the regional government as well as two churches: the Koorkerk (built for the clergy) and…
S
Stadhuis
Dominating the Markt, the town hall certainly grabs the eye. It's ornately beautiful, and displays a pastiche of styles: the Gothic side facing the Markt…
Z
Zeeuws Museum
Housed in the former monks’ dormitories of the abbey complex, this museum is divided into three permanent sections: one concentrating on fashion; another…
M
Markt
On Thursdays, this huge square in the centre of town hosts a popular market where stalls sell food and household products. Its proximity to the Stadhuis,…
N
Nieuwe Kerk
Part of the original 13th-century Abdij but largely rebuilt in the 16th century after a fire extensively damaged the complex, this double-naved church is…
K
Koorkerk
Dating from the 1300s but largely rebuilt in the 16th-century after a fire devastated the Abdij complex, the vaulted Koorkerk (Choir Church) operated as a…
D
Damplein
The area around the elongated Damplein (east of the Abdij) preserves many 18th-century houses, some of which have been turned into interesting shops,…
W
Wandelkerk
Dating from the 1600s, this walkway between the two churches in the Abdij holds the tombs of Jan and Cornelis Evertsen, admirals and brothers killed…
L
Lange Jan Tower
This 91m tower is topped with a gilded imperial crown, a tribute to Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I. Climb the 200-odd steps to enjoy views over town.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Middelburg.

See
Abdij
Dating from the 12th century, this huge abbey complex houses the regional government as well as two churches: the Koorkerk (built for the clergy) and…
See
Stadhuis
Dominating the Markt, the town hall certainly grabs the eye. It's ornately beautiful, and displays a pastiche of styles: the Gothic side facing the Markt…
See
Zeeuws Museum
Housed in the former monks’ dormitories of the abbey complex, this museum is divided into three permanent sections: one concentrating on fashion; another…
See
Markt
On Thursdays, this huge square in the centre of town hosts a popular market where stalls sell food and household products. Its proximity to the Stadhuis,…
See
Nieuwe Kerk
Part of the original 13th-century Abdij but largely rebuilt in the 16th century after a fire extensively damaged the complex, this double-naved church is…
See
Koorkerk
Dating from the 1300s but largely rebuilt in the 16th-century after a fire devastated the Abdij complex, the vaulted Koorkerk (Choir Church) operated as a…
See
Damplein
The area around the elongated Damplein (east of the Abdij) preserves many 18th-century houses, some of which have been turned into interesting shops,…
See
Wandelkerk
Dating from the 1600s, this walkway between the two churches in the Abdij holds the tombs of Jan and Cornelis Evertsen, admirals and brothers killed…
See
Lange Jan Tower
This 91m tower is topped with a gilded imperial crown, a tribute to Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I. Climb the 200-odd steps to enjoy views over town.

Guidebooks

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