You are sitting in the sun on the terrace, for example on the Havenpark in Zierikzee and look around. The history of the city and therefore of Zeeland is there in front of you.
There is in Zeeland enough history to fill many holidays. The oldest city Aardenburg dates back eight thousand years. But it is easy to make your choice. Maybe you would like a guided city tour, you can do this with a VVV guide who knows many interesting facts, or you can pick up a guidebook at the VVV office and take your time.
During such a city tour you can see how rich in history Zeeland is. There is so much of the past to see in the century old monumental churches, pretty traders houses and wealthy city houses. Zeeland was in the 16th and 17th century one of the most important provinces in The Netherlands.
The Spanish caused a lot of destruction in the time of their occupation. Signs can be seen everywhere. From the remnants of the Spanish State Lines in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen to the probable crossed swords of the Spanish field commander Mondragon who as a war trophy is attached to the top of the Noordhavenpoort in Zierikzee.
When peace was restored, Zeeland developed into an agricultural province with here and there fishing villages. The character of the landscape is still recognizable. In the polders lie fertile fields next to green meadows. The modern fishing fleet still catches fish and shellfish in Zeelands waters. In the picturesque villages time still seems to stand still. A church, a grassfield or a circle of low houses, all breathes in a restful peaceful atmosphere.
And then there is the water, enemy (but sometimes friend too) flowing through the centuries. Through the whole of Zeeland you find the traces of the past. There are remains of sunken villages to see, just as the lines on the house show how high the water once came. The Deltaworks have many tourists and water experts from the whole world.
