Brouwershaven

Brouwer Haven is a town in the north of the island Schouwen- Duiveland, the northernmost island of the Dutch province of Zeeland directly on the Grevelingenmeer.

The Smalstad belongs to the municipality of Schouwen- Duiveland and today is still about 1430 inhabitants. Despite moving past, is influenced by the maritime history, Brouwer Haven has preserved its original character and offers the atmosphere of past centuries. While initially the port, the fishing and agriculture were the inhabitants as livelihood, today is tourism economic base of the city. Brouwer Haven has a large marina and the Grevelingenmeer is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, be it diving, windsurfing or hobby captains. To Brouwershaven numerous campsites and holiday parks were built.

Historical

Brouwer Haven built in the mid 12th century. The city Zierikzee in the south of the island had developed into an important port city. The growing population on the island of Schouwen- Duiveland, the increased farming and fishing and constantly increasing trade made ​​a second port in the north of the island required. This trend has been reinforced by political interests, because for the nobility meant the possession of a harbor authority. Therefore, Count Floris V, ruler took over Holland and Zeeland and Jan van Renesse impact on urban development. The construction of a large church in 1325 and the magnificent town house from 1599 show that the nobility some of Brouwer Haven promised.

However, the development failed to meet expectations, especially since other cities the function of transshipment ports increasingly took over and the fish and shrimp catch not brought enough. Even Jacob Cats, who was born in 1577 in Brouwer Haven, and took away recognition as a regional writer, as a statesman and politician and author of various writings on the borders, could not undo this negative development. 1682 Brouwer Haven was hit by a severe storm surge. Bridges, port adapters, and many buildings were destroyed and washed away. The whole area was covered by a high silt layer.

Between 1838 and 1870 Brouwer Haven blooming again. During this time the river mouths of the Meuse and Scheldt were heavily silted. Rotterdam was no longer reachable by sea. Brouwer Haven took over the role of transshipment hub for goods and passengers overseas. New buildings were constructed, numerous trading posts, 27 hotels and Caffee 's residence and the famous personalities gave the city a new face. As the first city in the Netherlands Brouwer Haven received a telegraph connection to Rotterdam.

In 1870 the new waterways were ready to Rotterdam and Brouwer Haven sank back into his economic insignificance. On February 21, 1953 Brouwer Haven was last hit by a storm surge that put the entire city under water. A polder was subsequently built before Brouwer Haven and diked in the urban area. The polders are now used as recreational areas with playgrounds and sports facilities and a small zoo.

With the establishment of Grevelingendams in 1965 and the Delta Works ( Brouwersdam, 1971) Schouwen- Duiveland lost its actual island position and Brouwer Haven 's connection to the open sea. The Grevelingen became an inland sea.

See also: Battle of Brouwer Haven ( 1426)

Attractions

Marketplace

Brouwer Haven has preserved its ancient port city of character. At its heart are the inland port and directly adjacent to the marketplace. The surrounding small houses and shops frame the historic city center and give him the maritime, medieval flair.

Jacob Cats Monument

At the eastern end of the town square, in front of the inland port, the residents have the local poet, politician and statesman Jacob Cats erected a monument in 1829. Jacob Cats was born in 1577 in Brouwer Haven. Shortly before his death he showed his appreciation of the city and gave her a copy of his collected works.

Townhouse

The western end of the town square is dominated by the magnificent town house. The building, which was built in 1599 in the style of the Flemish Renaissance towers above all other houses. A movement and a clock tower " crown " the former town hall.

St. Nicholas Church

Even from afar you can see the roof turret of Saint Nicholas Church. Surprisingly, the size of the church building. The church is their name Grote of Sint Nicolaaskerk more than fair. The nave is 82.5 meters long, 28.5 m wide and 24.9 m high.

Voluntary Sector

There are Brouwershaven a football club and a golf club, the 1st Haven Golf Club Brouwer. There is also a water sports club.