Zierikzee

Understand

Zierikzee is a historic town on the Eastern Scheldt. It has 568 official monuments, a unique medieval street pattern and the oldest still playing carillon of the Netherlands. During high season it is crowded with visitors, mainly Dutch and German. It's a good hub to explore the rest of the province which has much to offer both culturally and scenically. Historical cities, attractions and beaches are nearby. Zierikzee offers good hotels and restaurants and is a pleasant city to stay.

History

The name Siricasha (Zierikzee) was first mentioned in 1156. The city rights were confirmed and expended by count William II of Holland. It is unknown when the city received its rights for the first time. At the end of the Middle Ages Zierikzee was an important city. In 1304 the Battle of Zierikzee took place where a combined French and Holland fleet was successfully in defeating the Flemish who had invaded Zeeland and Holland. During the 80 years war the city was taken by the Geuzen (Beggars) and later recaptured by the Spaniards. They left the city four months later after a mutiny of Spanish soldiers because of arrears. In the 17th century Zierikzee was primarily a fishery city and had a commercial fleet that limited herself to European waters. Unlike Middelburg the city had little input in the colonization of East and West Indian regions. In the 18th century the trade became more important than fishing. The merchant had to cope with setbacks about the middle of the 18th century. The fourth Anglo-Dutch war resulted in a decline of the fleet and the inhabitants of Zierikzee fell from 10,000 to 6,000. During the 19th century Zierikzee became to a more or less forgotten city.

Tourist office VVV Schouwen Duiveland, Nieuwe Haven 7, ☏ +31 118 630173, [email protected]. M-Sa 09:00-17:00. The staff at the tourist office inform and advise you about the events and facilities that Zierikzee (and the island of Schouwen-Duiveland) have to offer. This office is at Nieuwe Ha

Getting there

Zierikzee has no railway connection and there is no nearby airport. It can be reached by car or by public bus. Coming from the East follow A58 to the direction of Middelburg and turn right to N256 after Goes. The N256 ends at Zierikzee just after passing the 5km long Zeelandbrug. Bus line 132 from Goes takes a half hour to Zierikzee bus station. From Rotterdam Zuidplein bus station to Zierikzee take either Interliner 395 (weekdays only) or bus line 436 and change bus in Oude Tonge to bus line 133 (all lines operated by Connexxion)

Getting around

Zierikzee can be best visited by foot. Most monuments can be seen within the radius of about 3 km.

See

1 ’s Gravensteen, Mol 25. The building was built in 1358, then demolished and rebuilt in 1526. Translated Gravensteen means Building of the Count. In the building lived the steward of the count and his officials. In its heyday it also served as a court and prison. The numerous inscriptions, the oldest of which dates back to 1577, are a reminder of those prisoners. It remained a place of detention until 1923. Since the restoration in 2012 a Fair Trade Shop is housed in the building. 2 Nobelpoort (Nobel Gate), Kortenobelstraat. The Nobelpoort is one of the three remaining city gates of Zierikzee and dates from the mid 14th century. In front of the gate was originally a drawbridge. Until 1866 the gates were closed every night. 3 Noordhavenpoort (North port gate), Oude Haven. The Noordhavenpoort originally dates from the 14th century. The gate looks a lot less tough than the opposite gate. In 1559 the gate got its current ornamental facades on the city side. 4 Zuidhavenpoort (South port gate), Ouden Haven. The Zuidhavenpoort dates from the 13th century and is more impressive then the Noorderhavenpoort. It is a variant of the Nobel Gate, but much more sober constructed. The building has three floors, accessible via a staircase turret placed against the building. 5 Mill De Hoop (The Hope), Lange Nobelstraat 43=, ☏ +31 111 416 700. Sa 09:00-12:00. The Hope is a stone mills that replaced the old wooden mill in 1850. It has a height of more than 12 m and can be seen from a long distance. 6 Mill Den Haas (The Hare), Bolwerk 1, ☏ +31 113 212466. On Friday and while the mill turns. Den Haas is a large mill dating from 1727 and is splendidly located. The mill was put back into service after restoration as a corn mill in 1987. 7 Muziektent (Bandstand). The Muziektent at the Havenpark was built to commemorate the visit of HM Queen Wilhelmina and HRH Prince Henry on September 13, 1907. 8 Nieuwe kerk (New Church). This neoclassical church was built in the period 1835-1848 as

Do

There are a lot of activities you can do in and around Zierikzee. First of all you will explore the historic centre by foot. Get a city map at the tourist office and stroll around. Look very carefully to the old buildings. Never forget to look up as most interesting can be seen on the upper floors or roofs like decorations, inscriptions and sculptures. In summer you can find lot of terraces on the squares and at the waterfronts to have a drink, lunch or dinner. If the weather is against you, go inside and admire the old atmospheric rooms.

Museums 1 Camera Museum, Visstraat 12, ☏ +31 111 412694, [email protected]. Summer Tu-Sa 11:00-17:00, Su 13:00-17:00, Winter Tu-Su 13:00-17:00. The Camera Museum tells the story of the history and the development of photography in all its aspects so far. By appointment you can contact us to take a photo in costume. €5/€2.5 adult/child. 2 Het Stadhuismuseum (Town Hall Museum), Meelstraat 6-8, ☏ +31 111 454464, [email protected]. Tu-Sa 11:00-17:00, Su 13:00-17:00. On one of the bells of the town hall is the date 1358 engraved which is probably the year that the building was first put into use. The first small town hall was demolished and rebuilt in 1554. The tower dates from the same year. On top is a statue of Neptune. With a trident in his hand the Roman God overlooks the town. The city council resided here until 1997. These days the Town hall museum is in this building. It is merged with the old maritime museum. Objects from 1000 years history can be admired here. The Town Hall Museum has its own bar area in the courtyard with a terrace. There can be solemnized marriages and registered partnerships. Adult or child €7.50. 3 Museumhaven Zeeland (Port Museum Zeeland), Vissersdijk 2, ☏ +31 52166621, [email protected]. May-Nov: Tu-Sa 13:00-16:30. The museum has two locations: On the outside location (at the Old Port of Zierikzee) is the collection of historic ships. In the near vici

Buy

There are a lot of shops in the center of Zierikzee. Many are retails. A nice shop to look around is the Fair Trade Shop in the Gravensteen. There is an antique and art shop on Havenplein 18 and next door is a candy shop, aptly named the syrup soldier.

Book shops Boven het Dal, Poststraat 22, ☏ +31 111 412161, [email protected]. Th-Sa 13:00-17:00. Boven het