Want to learn how to fly for free? Click Here!
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...HOLLAND FOR A CITY BREAK
In a previous article we took a light hearted look at the City of Amsterdam. One of our readers, quite rightly, has pointed out that certain aspects of Amsterdam, in particular, the red light district and the coffee shop, cannabis culture are unlikely to be found elsewhere in this delightful country. From personal experience we fully agree with this comment, having found The Netherlands to be a clean, well organised country, with a most hospitable people. Even the trains run on time! So why not try Holland for a city break.
THE HAGUE
This is a city with many historic buildings with a long cultural legacy in evidence in over 30 museums. The Het Binnenhof is the centre of Dutch politics and is where the Dutch Parliament meets. Its magnificent Ridderzaal or Knights Hall was built by Count Floris V in the 13th Century.
The Peace Palace was a gift from Andrew Carnegie to the city. Many nations contributed to its construction and it now houses The International Court of Justice.
TheRoyal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis is located next to The Binnenhof on the beautiful Hofvijver Pond and houses Dutch masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Ruebens and Van Dijck.
The Hague also enjoys two great beaches, Scheveningen and Kijkduin.
UTRECHT
This University City is in the heart of Holland and one of its oldest. It is famous for its pedestrian quaysides along its 14th Century sunken canals.
The 112 metre high Dom Tower provides magnificent views of the city, although we think the city is best seen from the water. You have the choice of a Venetian Gondola, a Plof Boat or an electric Whisper Boat.
Throughout the year, Utrecht is alive with exciting festivals. These include The International Spring Dance Festival and The Holland Festival of Old Music. Cultural Sundays see the parks and squares full of dance, music and theatre.
Utrecht is a shoppers paradise with Hoog Catharijne, which is one of the best known shopping malls in Holland. Sidewalk and quayside cafes are plentiful and traditional food includes the giant pancakes sprinkled with icing sugar for which Holland is famous.
MAASTRICHT
Located in the Meuse valley near the Belgium and German borders, Maastricht is the oldest fortified city. City highlights include, The Caves of St. Peter which date back to Roman times and are a labyrinth of thousands of man made passages.
Between 1574 and 1825 mining activities created The Casemates which were used in times of a siege. They are now a unique military monument.
TheTreasure St. Servatius and Our Lady Basilicas are imposing buildings housing many of Maastricht’s artifacts and treasures.
The nearbySouth Limburg Region has medieval castles, Roman remains and vineyards to explore.
ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam is one of the worlds largest ports and is situated on the mighty Maas River. From the 1920s Rotterdam has enjoyed international recognition as a centre of modern architecture. Today it is the only Dutch city with a true skyline.
Architectural features include, The Erasmus Bridge, which connects north and south Rotterdam. The Het Witte Huis (White House) which was the first skyscraper in Europe in 1898. Its height of 45m pales in comparison with modern skyscrapers.
The only survivor of medieval Rotterdam is the St. Laurens Church, a basilica of the Utrecht design. It was built between 1449 and 1525, using brick with sandstone dividing bands.
The De Kiefhoek housing estate built from 1928 to 1930 was considered a daring project with new concepts in its time and was intended for poorer working class families
A visit to the largest port in Europe must includea river tour of the gigantic cargo handling facilities. Due to continual redevelopment, the old inner city docks have become picturesque quayside areas with shops, restaurants and bars. These include The Veerhaven, The Oude Haven and The Delfshaven from where The Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America in 1620.
Shopaholics will not be disappointed with Rotterdam. Nieuwe Binnenweg is the coolest in the city. Witte de Withstraat is right in the centre and the most arty. Bijenkorf is a great department store. Lijnbaanis open 7 days a week and is Rotterdam’s oldest centre. Kop van Zuid is in a former warehouse and houses shops, restaurants and bars. Finally, Biennenrotte Square is one of Hollands largest markets selling food, flowers, fish and books.
ALKMAAR
Alkmaar, a 30 minute train ride north of Amsterdam and is Holland’s Cheese City and is home to Gouda Cheese. The city sits astride The Groot Noordhollandsch Canal, completed in 1867 to shorten the sea route to Amsterdam. Unique are the Floating Bridges, whose centre sections slide under the fixed end sections. Today the canal is mainly used for recreational purposes.
The weekly cheese market has become a major tourist attraction. The cheeses are sold by dealers on a clap of hands. Thereupon the 400 year old Cheese Porters Guild goes into action, carrying the cheese off on ornamental barrows, after the lot has been weighed at the Waag (the official scales), a most photogenic building. In the Waaggebouw (in which the scales are housed) is a cheese museum.
The city centre has many historic buildings, courtyards and old facades in its narrow streets. The 16th Century Town Hall, The Waag and Grote St Laurens Church are among the most picturesque. The ultra modern Canada Square has 5 cultural institutions and showcases art, books, music and theatre
With its Noorder Arcade, Alkmaar is considered the second shopping city in The Netherlands. Its many museums include The National Beer Museum.
Impressive cycle paths are a special attraction in Holland and apart from the Amsterdam-Alkmaar Route, two other national cycle routes pass through Alkmaar
There is no doubt that The Netherlands is a great tourist destination. It offers photogenic old and new architecture, a lively nightlife, beautiful countryside, picturesque old villages, great cycling, an abundance of windmills, interesting waterways and quaint quayside bars and restaurants. The latter serving delicious food, pastries and bread found only in Holland. Its flat terrain makes it ideal for walkers and cyclists. All of this in a clean and well organised country with an hospitable and predominately, English speaking population. So if you are looking for a holiday with a difference try Holland for a city break.
comments
Leave a Reply
