Pause for a moment and think about a village older than Amsterdam itself. That is Zuiderwoude. We are standing in one of the oldest villages in North Holland. It is a place where time seems to slow down.
Zuiderwoude sits in the municipality of Waterland. It is a testament to the Dutch battle against the sea. This village has a population of about 330 people.
Let us journey back in time. Zuiderwoude was first known as Suytherdershage in 863. By 923, it marked the edge of Count Dirk the First’s land. Villagers lived off hunting and fishing then.
Fast forward to the 16th century. The name changed to Suyderwoudt. Zuiderwoude prospered because of its shipmen. They traded with lands across the Baltic Sea. Some even sailed to Suriname and the eastern Mediterranean. This earned them the nickname “Turks of Waterland”.
In 1624, a new church was built. It also housed a town hall. Zuiderwoude was its own municipality with Uitdam until 1812. More houses stood here than today. Terpen show where buildings once stood near Dijkeinde.
But Zuiderwoude’s fortunes declined. Amsterdam took over shipping. Cattle disease broke out. The village suffered two major fires. Spanish troops torched Zuiderwoude in 1573. In 1712, another fire destroyed 13 houses and damaged the church. Zuiderwoude also endured major floods.
The current Kerk Zuiderwoude dates back to 1877. But a church has stood here since the 11th century. This building is on Dorpstraat 1.
Today Zuiderwoude is appealing again. Its location has caused housing prices to rise. Young people often leave because of this. The village retains its charm. It is an active church community. The church building was renovated in 2004.
Zuiderwoude has a school called De Overhaal built in 1982. The Dorpshuis built in 1972 still operates thanks to volunteers. The fanfarecorps Zuiderwoude plays a key role in village life. There is also a drama club and a historical society.
The village attracts many cyclists and hikers in summer. They come to see its historical farmhouses. These pyramid-shaped buildings are a sight to behold.
In conclusion Zuiderwoude stands as a symbol. It represents Dutch resilience and history. Take a stroll along the dike. Imagine the sailors who once called this village home. Think of them sailing to distant lands. Remember that you are walking through a village older than Amsterdam.