This small Dutch town is encircled by 16th-century star-shaped fortifications. It has an octagonal Reformed Church, a museum in the Mauritshuis, and is close to the Delta Works project.
Willemstad, a small town in the Dutch province of North Brabant, is encircled by star-shaped fortifications from the 16th century. This compact historical settlement of around 2,500 residents allows you to walk along ancient city walls, visit the octagonal Reformed Church, and explore the Mauritshuis museum. Located on the banks of the Hollands Diep river, Willemstad is close to nature reserves and the Delta Works engineering project.
Exploring Willemstad's Star-Shaped Fortifications
Willemstad's heptagonal (seven-sided) shape comes from its fortifications, completed in 1587. These defensive walls, built during the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule, have remained largely intact despite being decommissioned in 1926. You can walk along the top of these walls and see the town and surrounding waterways. The seven bastions provide clear sightlines in all directions, showing you why the town was strategically important in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Historical Buildings in the Town Center
In the center of Willemstad stands the Dutch Reformed Church, built between 1597 and 1607. Its octagonal shape and prominent dome make it a unique example of early Protestant church architecture in the Netherlands. The church has survived significant damage over the centuries, including war damage in 1944 and a fire in 1950, but has been restored. Another important building is the Gouvernementshuis, constructed between 1623 and 1625 for Maurice, Prince of Orange. This former governor's residence later served as the town hall until 1996 and demonstrates the town's historical connection to the House of Orange.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
The Mauritshuis, which now houses the local tourist information center (VVV), also contains a museum where you can learn about Willemstad's history. The museum displays artifacts and information about the town's development, its military past, and its connection to the Dutch royal family. In 1968, construction workers found a 6,500-year-old wooden figurine near Willemstad, known as the 'Mannetje van Willemstad' (Little Man of Willemstad), which shows that people lived in this area thousands of years ago.
Exploring Nature Around Willemstad
Willemstad's location on the Hollands Diep, near the Haringvliet and Volkerak, makes it convenient for exploring the surrounding waterways and nature reserves. You can take boat trips on the rivers, go fishing, or visit the nearby Delta Works, a series of construction projects built to protect a large area of land around the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta from the sea. The countryside around Willemstad also has cycling and walking routes.
Getting to Willemstad
While Willemstad is a small town, you can reach it by public transport. To plan your journey, use the 9292.nl/en website, which provides up-to-date information on routes, schedules, and fares for all public transport in the Netherlands. The nearest larger towns are Dordrecht and Breda, from where you can take buses to Willemstad.
Dining and Accommodation
Despite its small size, Willemstad has several cafes and restaurants where you can try Dutch dishes and international food. Accommodation options in the town itself are limited, especially during the summer months, so it's advisable to book in advance. There are a few small hotels and bed and breakfasts within the old town, as well as options in nearby villages and towns.
