Naarden

Naarden (Dutch pronunciation:[ˈnaːrdə(n)]^ⓘ) is acity and formermunicipality in theGooi region in theprovince ofNorth Holland,Netherlands. It has been part of the new municipality ofGooise Meren since 2016.

Naarden
City
Aerial view of the historic city of Naarden
Flag Coat of arms
Naarden Location in the Netherlands Show map of Netherlands Naarden Location in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands Show map of North Holland
Coordinates:52°17′43″N05°09′44″E / 52.29528°N 5.16222°E /52.29528; 5.16222
Country	Netherlands
Province	North Holland
Municipality	Gooise Meren
Elevation ^[1]	3 m (10 ft)
Population (2021)^[2]
• Total	17,555
Demonym(s)	Naardenees, Naardenaar
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postcode	1410–1414
Area code	035
Website	www.naarden.nl

History

edit

See also:Siege of Naarden (1673)

Naarden was granted itscity rights in 1300 (the only town in the Gooi with these rights) and later developed into a fortified garrison town with a textile industry.

In 1572, the city was sacked and burnt down, and only 60 people survived theMassacre of Naarden. The massacre was committed by Spanish soldiers against the townspeople of Naarden as part of a punitive expedition against Dutch rebels later known as theSpanish Fury. The destruction of the city galvanized the Dutch rebels, leading them to continue theDutch War of Independence against Spain.^[3]

Naarden is an example of astar fort, complete withfortified walls and amoat. The moat and walls have been restored on numerous occasions, most notably during the French era (1795-1814).^[when?] After theBattle of Leipzig (1813), the Netherlands were liberated by an allied force of Dutch, Prussian and Russian armies. During this period, Naarden was besieged for months since the French commander didn't believe that Napoleon was captured. In May 1814, the French soldiers left the city in a retreat with honour (seeSiege of Naarden (1813–1814).

John Amos Comenius, 17th century Moravian born Czech educator was buried in the city, and his mausoleum is open to visitors.

Despite its earlier importance, Naarden's population was surpassed byHilversum in the 18th century and today it is smaller than its neighbourBussum.

Aerial photograph of Naarden, inter-war period

The city's distinctive shape made it a rallying point for Allied bombers returning to England after raids on Germany.^[4]

Naarden was a separate municipality until 2015. On 1 January 2016, the municipality of Naarden merged withMuiden andBussum to form the new municipality ofGooise Meren.

Economy

edit

The companyStork B.V. had its head office in Naarden.^[5]

Geography

edit

Map of the former municipality of Naarden, June 2015

The city of Naarden is located in the municipality ofGooise Meren in the west of theNetherlands. It is situated in theGooi region in the southeast of the province ofNorth Holland.

Attractions

edit

City hall

Fortress gate

Naarden is the home of theDutch Fortress Museum (Nederlands Vestingmuseum). Naarden hosts the bi-annual Naarden Photo Festival and, onGood Friday, a performance ofBach'sSt. Matthew Passion in the local church, which is called the Great Church or St. Vitus Church.

The Great Church

The Great Church (Grote Kerk) in Marktstraat dates from the 15th century. Prior to theProtestant Reformation it was named forSt. Vitus. It is one of the oldest surviving churches in The Netherlands, having had the good fortune to survive the Spanish invasion of 1572 and the subsequent burning of the town. The church has numerous wooden vaults painted with scenes from theOld andNew Testaments. These were hidden for many years and only rediscovered in a recent restoration. The church is the venue for a number of cultural activities such as organ music nights and the bi-annual Naarden Photo festival.

The Spanish House, with design commemorating the massacre of 1572

The Spanish House (Spaanse Huis), situated at Turfpoortstraat 27, was originally a church building converted to house migrants. In 1572 Spanish troopsconducted a massacre of some 700 inhabitants who had gathered to hear a peace proposal. The Spanish then fired on the assembled citizens, and went on to set fire to the town. A plaque above the lintel of the door and below the eaves commemorates the massacre. In 1615, after the population had reestablished itself, they built the city hall on the site. Part of the building was given over to De Waag (The Scales House), the municipal office entrusted with the verification of weights and measures. The building later served a French garrison as a bakery, turning out over 1000 loaves per day. From 1967 until 1992 it served as the Comenius museum. Today, the historic building serves as the Weegschaal Museum.

John Amos Comenius is buried in a mausoleum on Klooster straat. This receives many visitors from theCzech Republic, where he was born. Comenius is known as the inventor of our school system with grades and different classes.^[6]