Netherlands
Exploring the Past in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy that includes a country in northwestern Europe with territories in the Caribbean. About 20% of the country in Europe, often incorrectly referred to as Holland, is below sea level. A further 50% is less than one metre above sea level. For this reason the country’s name in Dutch (Nederland), English and many other European languages means ‘The Low Countries’. The reason for this unusual geography results from centuries of badly controlled peat extraction. And from the 16th century onwards land reclamation started in earnest – an activity that resulted in industrial sites that are now recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Despite this disruption of the land, the Netherlands still has an extraordinary archaeological and historical record. The oldest evidence of human occupation being from Neanderthal communities living near what is today Masstricht.
Events and Exhibitions 2020
Caravaggio-Bernini. Baroque in Rome
14 February to 7 June 2020
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
This temporary exhibition takes us back to Rome in 1600 when a new aesthetic was emerging. With 60 exquisite artworks the beginnings of the Baroque period in Rome is explored. And a focus on the painter Caravaggio (1571-1610) and the sculptor Bernini (1598-1680).
Find the Best Archaeological and Historical Sites and Museums
That part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Europe has 12 provincies, or provinces, and these are grouped together in four main regions as follows:
- Western Netherlands or the Randstad – Flevoland, North Holland, South Holland and Utrecht
- Northern Netherlands – Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen
- Eastern Netherlands – Gelderland and Overijssel
- Southern Netherlands – Limburg, North Brabant and Zeeland
For now this guide covers only the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Europe. The special municipalities (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba) and other constituent countries (Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten) in the Carribean that make up the Netherlands proper will be added in due course.
Four of the Top Tours and Activities in the Netherlands
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands
As of 2019, there are 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Netherlands. Nine of these sites are recognised for their cultural significance, the other (shared with Denmark and Germany) for its natural importance. One of the cultural sites is on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, and covers the historic town and harbour of the island’s capital Willemstad. There are a further six sites, including the Roman Lower German Limes, on the tentative list. Full list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Netherlands >>
Mill Network at
Kinderdijk-Elshout
D.F. Wouda Steam Engine
Pumping Station
17th Century Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam
Historic area of
Willemstad, Curaçao
Hanzesteden in the Netherlands
In the 14th century, when Amsterdam was only a tiny settlement, many towns in the northern provinces of the Netherlands joined the Hanseatic League. Established as a trading union amongst Baltic Sea ports, joining the league ensured wealth. The Medieval prosperity of these Hansa towns can still be seen in the historical buildings and features from the 14th and 15th centuries – making them fascinating and picturesque places to visit today.
Guide to the Hanseatic League >>
About The Author
This guide to the archaeology and history sites of the Netherlands is the principle work of Max Petterson, with contributions from Thomas Dowson and Ethan Doyle White. Having obtained his Masters degree in archaeology from Leiden University, Max is now a certified archaeologist working in the Netherlands with a focus on prehistory. His MA thesis examined the practice of human sacrifice in Iron Age Northern Europe. Read More About Us and Our Backgrounds.
