Facts about Alkmaar
Alkmaar is a city in the Netherlands, in the province of Noord Holland. Alkmaar is well-known for its traditional cheese market. The earliest mention of the name Alkmaar is in a 10th-century document. Alkmaar was granted city rights in 1254. The oldest part of Alkmaar lies on an ancient sand bank that afforded some protection from the sea during medieval times. In 1573 the city successfully withstood a siege by Spanish forces under the leadership of Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba. Alkmaar was the first city in the Netherlands to be freed from the Spanish occupation. In 1799, during the French revolutionary wars, an Anglo-Russian expeditionary force captured Alkmaar but was ultimately defeated in the Battle of Castricum. The North Holland Canal, opened in 1824, was dug through Alkmaar. In 1865, railway line between Alkmaar and Den Helder was built. In 1867, railway line between Alkmaar and Haarlem was built. Alkmaar's cheese market at the Waagplein, is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. The cheese market of Alkmaar traditionally takes place on the first Friday in April and the last market of the season is the first Friday in September. Cornelis Drebbel, the inventor of first navigable submarine was born in Alkmaar. Caesar van Everdingen, a famous painter was also born in Alkmaar Alfred Peet (1920), the founder of American coffee retailer Peet's Coffee & Tea, was born in Alkmaar. Famous singers, Marco Borsato and Gerard Joling were born in Alkmaar. |
SEARCH
Sponsors
|