Unlock the Cheese Capital of the Netherlands: Gouda Travel Guide

🧀🏰Gouda Travel Guide . 🇳🇱Gouda, a historic city in the south of the Netherlands, has a long history. Gouda was granted city rights in 1272, nearly 30 years before Amsterdam. Around 1100 AD, Gouda was just a low-lying area, but later canals were built due to the abundance of peat. Today, Gouda is surrounded by water, with several small canals crisscrossing the old town, making it a typical Dutch water town. Gouda is not only one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, but also a representative of Dutch cheese culture, with 60% of Dutch cheese produced here. . 🏞️Must-visit Attractions . 🏛️Gouda City Hall (Stadhuis van Gouda) . Introduction: Gouda City Hall is one of the oldest Gothic city halls in the Netherlands, built in 1450 AD. Its towering spire, red shutters, and charming clock are its features. This building is not only the backdrop of the Gouda cheese market, but also a symbol of the city. Special Event: During the Christmas event Goudabij Kaarslicht in December, thousands of candles are lit inside and outside the city hall, creating a dreamy atmosphere. . 🕍St. John's Church (Sint Janskerk) . Introduction: St. John's Church is the longest Gothic church in the Netherlands, with a length of 123 meters. The church has as many as 70 stained glass windows depicting biblical and historical scenes, making it a precious cultural heritage of the Netherlands. Feature: The stained glass windows of the church are exquisite, especially the windows depicting Christ and the Twelve Apostles, as well as the life of the monks of the Gouda Monastery and the history of the development of the city of Gouda. . 🧀Gouda Cheese Market (Kaasmarkt) . Introduction: Gouda Cheese Market is one of the most famous cheese markets in the Netherlands, with traditional cheese trading taking place from late June to late August each year. Visitors can see cheese makers and merchants negotiating prices by clapping hands, experiencing the ancient cheese trading culture. Special Event: Outside the market season, visitors can visit the Gouda Cheese and Crafts Museum (Gouds Kaas en Ambachtenmuseum) to learn about the history and culture of Gouda cheese production.