The very essential Veere
If the slate of your history lesson in your hands is a street under your feet, Veere is your calling. The strong, still tugging, Scottish links are in the Schotse Huizen you’ll wander past, admiring their role in trade. The imposing Grote Kerk stands out, reminding us how this was once a very wealthy place. And the Campveerse tower reminds us how – and why – the town needed its defences.
The magnificent Grote Kerk
This proud figurehead of Veere – built in the 14 th century – has played a multitude of noble roles, including as a hospital and an alms-house. Now it’s a cultural bastion for exhibitions, converts, plays and any range of festivities. Lest you ne’er forget, its arresting dimensions tap you some on the shoulder: remember, this place was once a massive powerhouse. Very Veere.
The houses of Scotland
Through their special relationship, the Scots had privileged access and rights in the town. They had their own warehouses and offices and even their own church and minister. As witnessed by the Schotse Huizen of ‘Lammeken’ and ‘In de Struijs’, part of Museum Veere. Upstairs in the Schotse loft (‘zolder’), these long-standing ties are explained, along with the rich maritime past of the town. The old town hall on the Markt houses another part of the Museum.
Veere town hall
Portraits hang in the former Stadshuis town hall of almost all marquises and marquesses of Veere, as does the family tree of Oranje-Nassau. The Orangeroute Veere trail will take you past every place they have visited, and Veere also features in the international version of the route. Some 2,500 km in all, passing all towns with a link, one way or another, to the House of Orange.
Campveerse tower stands tall
This 15 th century edifice was once a key component of the defences of Veere town – you’ll see why, as it stands proudly now, at the edge. Fun times too were had by some: it served as an inn, and hosted the wedding feast of Willem van Oranje and Charlotte de Bourbon in 1575. A rite to remember. It’s still a hotel and restaurant. With staying power: the Auberge de Campveerse Toren is one of the Netherlands’ oldest taverns in town.
You’ll like the look of the lake in Veere
To be fair, the lake came first, then came the name of the town on its banks. From afar on the water, the historic Veere is pinpointed by the silhouette of the Grote Kerk. But sail on, come closer, into the harbour itself. A sharp clamber up to the jetty, and tables (or views) are turned, from your lookout post on a terrace. Over the lake and its happy jumble of sails of all colours. Does ‘Veere’ mean ‘lots of’? Maybe. Will you too start out here on your bike or walking trip around the lake?
