Gouda Map

Description:

Gouda is a historic city located in the western Netherlands, in the province of South Holland. With a population of approximately 75,000 residents, it stands as one of the most significant cities in the region. The city received its municipal rights in 1272 from Count Floris V of Holland, marking the beginning of its official history as a city.

The city is globally renowned for its cheese, which shares the same name - Gouda cheese. However, the cheese wasn't actually produced in the city but was traded at its cheese market. The famous Gouda Cheese Market has been operating since 1395, and even today, traditional cheese trading demonstrations are held during summer months at the historic Waag (weighing house) building, which dates back to 1668.

One of the city's most remarkable landmarks is the Sint-Janskerk (St. John's Church), which is the longest church in the Netherlands at 123 meters. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, it is particularly famous for its stained glass windows, known as the Gouda Windows, which were created primarily between 1530 and 1603. These windows are considered one of the most significant examples of 16th-century stained glass in Europe.

The historic Gouda City Hall, constructed between 1448 and 1450, stands as one of the oldest Gothic city halls in the Netherlands. The building features a unique free-standing structure and is considered one of the most beautiful historic city halls in the country. The city is also known for its stroopwafels (syrup waffles), first created in Gouda during the late 18th century by baker Gerard Kamphuisen.

Beyond its historical significance and culinary heritage, Gouda serves as an important transportation hub in the western Netherlands. The city's central railway station, built in 1984, replaced the original 1869 structure and connects Gouda to major Dutch cities including Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. The city's strategic location at the confluence of the Gouwe and Hollandsche IJssel rivers has historically contributed to its economic development, particularly during the Dutch Golden Age when it was an important center for cloth and pipe manufacturing.