Weesp, Fortified town in North Holland, Netherlands
Weesp is a fortified town in North Holland featuring a network of canals and three traditional windmills that shape its character. The fortifications form part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The town received city rights in 1355 and developed into a trade center due to its strategic location along the river Vecht during medieval times. Fortifications were later added to integrate it into the region's defensive system.
The City Museum in the historical town hall from 1776 displays Dutch porcelain collections and exhibits about the Van Houten family's chocolate manufacturing legacy. The collection tells the story of local craftsmanship traditions and the prosperity that trade brought to the town.
The town is easily reached by train from Amsterdam Central Station in about 15 minutes. Its compact size makes it simple to explore the old town center and windmills on foot.
The Weespermop, a local almond paste cookie, was baked as a 115-kilogram creation in 1988, now commemorated by a statue in town. This unusual monument reflects the pride residents take in their local food traditions.
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