THE NETHERLANDS : LEEUWARDEN

The administrative and cultural capital in Friesland is Leeuwarden, and is located between the Frisian Lakes and the shores of the Wadden Sea. Formally an old market community, the settlement is known today for its two fabulous museums and the largest Veemarkt (cattle market) in Europe. Chartered in 1435, Leeuwarden was the center of a goldworking and silverworking industry from the 16th to the 18th century. There are still buildings and monuments that date from the 16th and 17th cent., notably the huge brick Oldehove Tower, home to the Frisian Museum.

Leeuwarden - the capital city of the Dutch province of Friesland. Leeuwarden is a municipality and the capital city of the Dutch province of Friesland. It is situated in the north of the country.The area has been occupied since the 10th century (although recently, remains of houses dating back to the 2nd century AD were discovered during a dig near the Oldehove), and was granted a town charter in 1435.