Purmerend

Nestled amidst the polders of North Holland, Purmerend awaits. This charming town, often overlooked by tourists rushing to Amsterdam, boasts a rich history. Purmerend’s story begins in a small fishing village, situated between three lakes: Purmer, Beemster, and Wormer. In 1410, Willem Eggert, a wealthy Amsterdam banker, built Slot Purmerstein, a fortified castle. This marked the true founding of Purmerend. The castle, sadly, is no more, demolished in 1741 after falling into disrepair. Purmerend officially became a city in 1434. In 1484, it gained market rights, allowing merchants from outside the town to trade. This spurred significant growth, evident in maps from 1500 showing a rectangular town crisscrossed by roads. The draining of the Beemster and Purmer lakes in the 17th century, while initially impacting fishing, ultimately led to a new era of prosperity. The fertile land became ideal for agriculture and livestock, transforming Purmerend into a thriving agricultural hub. The 19th century brought the Noordhollandsch Kanaal, a canal connecting Purmerend to Amsterdam and Alkmaar. Completed in 1824, the canal further boosted the local economy, attracting businesses trading in wood and other goods. The 20th century saw Purmerend occupied during World War II, finally liberated in 1945. More recently, Purmerend earned the title of “Funfair City of the Netherlands” in 2003. It also holds a unique tradition: the “koemarkt,” or cow market. After a temporary closure due to cattle diseases, the market was reinstated and later relocated to the Baanstee Oost industrial area in 2008. This move addressed traffic congestion and provided more space. Today, Purmerend, while a commuter town for Amsterdam, retains its unique charm and historical significance. From a small fishing village to a bustling market town, Purmerend continues to evolve while honoring its past.