Leeuwarden - the capital city of the Dutch province of Friesland
Leeuwarden is a municipality and the capital city of the Dutch province of Friesland. It is situated in the north of the country.
The area has been occupied since the 10th century (although recently, remains of houses dating back to the 2nd century AD were discovered during a dig near the Oldehove), and was granted a town charter in 1435. Situated along the Middelzee, it was an active trade centre, until the waterway dried out in the 15th century. In 1901 the city had a population of 32,203.
Famous natives of Leeuwarden include stadtholder William IV of Orange, graphic artist M. C. Escher, and dancer-spy Mata Hari, as well as the theologian Dr. N.H. Gootjes.
During World War II, after extensive occupation by the German forces, on April 15th, 1945, the Royal Canadian Dragoons, disobeying direct orders, gallantly charged into the heavily defended city and defeated the Germans, who were driven out by the next day.
Well-known buildings in the city centre include the Kanselarij (the former chancellery), the Waag (old trade centre of the city), the church of St. Bonifatius and the leaning tower Oldehove. One of the eye catchers in the city centre is the ‘Achmea building’ (it belongs to Achmea insurance) which is near the train station. The Achmea building is the tallest building in the city.
Leeuwarden is also the site of the country's largest cattle market, and on Ascension Day, the largest flower market in the Netherlands is held here.
