Middelburg, Provincial capital in Zeeland, Netherlands
Middelburg is the provincial capital of Zeeland and sits just a few meters above sea level. A network of canals created during the 17th century runs through the city, forming the backbone of its layout and character.
The city began in the 9th century as a fortified settlement built to defend against Viking attacks, with a monastery established in 844. It later developed into a major trading hub that shaped the region's economy for centuries.
The town square features ornate Renaissance buildings that once served as seats of power and trade. Walking through, you see how merchants and officials shaped the city's character through the architecture they left behind.
The main railway station links the city to major Dutch towns with regular train services, making arrival straightforward. The compact center is easy to explore on foot, especially along the canals and around the central square.
The city was the second most important center for the Dutch East India Company after Amsterdam, with merchant houses still lining the canal banks. These buildings carry physical marks of their past as homes for traders who did business across the globe.
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