Day 13
Choose a guided tour through the quaint streets of Veere, or cycle the town with a local guide and admire the surrounding dykes. Alternatively, marvel at the modern wonder that is Holland’s Delta Works, including a visit through the Storm Surge Barrier.
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Docked beside the village of Veere, we went for a bit of a walk, past the church and down a lane/road and before we knew it we were at the marina. Potentially an incredible village to walk about, but no sun for us today, just cloudy dreary weather so we were hoping it wouldn’t rain! I bought a winter toque it was so cold! Our independent jaunt turned out to be rain free, unfortunately not so on our afternoon guided tour. After stopping for a coffee and pastry we did a bit of shopping then headed back to the ship. Cold, Cold, Cold by the sea! After dinner we had a disco night with David and the Crew!
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Veere, a small fishing village in the 13th century, obtained its city charter in 1355. In 1444 when Wolfert VI van Borssele married Mary, daughter of James I of Scotland, he was granted the monopoly on wool trade with the Scottish merchants. In turn, Scottish merchants living in Veere were granted special privileges. It remained a thriving port until the waning of the wool trade, the Napoleonic Wars and the cancellation of the Scottish Staple Contract. Today Veere is a tourist destination on Veerse Meer lake. Cut off from the sea by the Delta Works, it has a small marina used for pleasure yachts.
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Town hall– this Gothic building (now a museum) was started in 1474 and has a 48-bell carillon. It is crowned by a belfry (1599) with an onion bulb dome. The empty niches held the statues of the lords of Veere and their wives are now displayed inside the museum.
The 15th-century Scottish House faces the marina.
The Grote Kerk – built from 1450 to 1571 and dedicated to Our Lady of the Snow. Today it is used as a cultural center.
The Cistern was built in 1551 for the benefit of the Scottish wool merchants. This reservoir has a capacity of approx 45000 imp. gallons.
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