Historic towns

Why not spend a day in Goes, Middelburg, Veere, or Zierikzee? These historic towns are easily accessible from the centrally located villages in the municipality of Kapelle.

Goes

Goes is home to several notable landmarks, such as the old town hall on the Grote Markt, the Maria Magdalenakerk, and the building housing the De Bevelanden Historical Museum. The marina is located right in the heart of the city and is surrounded by beautiful warehouses. The street names offer a glimpse into the past: Bierkade, Beestenmarkt, Houtkade, and Oude Vismarkt. Don’t forget to walk through the Vuilstraatje during your visit to Goes. This is the narrowest street in Goes. Want to discover more of Goes’ history? Then join a free city walking tour. You can join for free on Wednesday afternoons from May through October. Check the website of ‘t Gilde de Bevelanden for more info.

In addition to admiring the beautiful buildings, Goes is also a great place to shop. There are many different charming boutiques.

Middelburg

Middelburg is the capital of Zeeland and is home to more than 1,100 national monuments. It was one of the trading cities of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). There are still many beautiful monuments from this era to explore. As you walk along the quays, you’ll see the old warehouses everywhere. When visiting this beautiful city, be sure to check out the following buildings: the Koepoort, the Abbey with the Lange Jan, the historic town hall, the Kloveniersdoelen, and the Oostkerk. Be sure to wear your walking shoes, as there are still cobblestones in many different places.

Every first Sunday of the month from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Middelburg hosts an Art & Culture Route. Various artists and galleries are located in historic buildings in the city’s historic center. For more information about the Art & Culture Route, visit the Art & Culture Route website.

Veere

Veere is a small but beautiful town. It exudes history. The town’s most beautiful building is the town hall on the Markt. Another building worth visiting is the Grote Kerk. This church is used as an experience and cultural venue. Centuries-old stories are brought to life here using the latest technology. There are also many well-preserved historic buildings on the Kaai, such as the Scottish Houses and the Campveerse Tower. The old city walls surround the center of Veere. Here, you can enjoy a lovely walk along Lake Veere and the old creeks.

During the summer months, the past comes alive again at the Tuesday Historical Market.

Zierikzee

Zierikzee is a historic town on the Oosterschelde, located on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland. It features a unique medieval street layout and the oldest carillon still in use in the Netherlands. There is plenty to see in Zierikzee: city gates, historic monuments, city walls, and the Gravensteen. This is the oldest prison building in Zeeland. There is also an old tidal harbor where several historic ships are moored.

The Sint Lievensmonster Tower is also known as the Fat Tower. From this tower, you have a fantastic view of Zierikzee and beyond. On a clear day, you can even see the Zeeland Bridge.