The Province of Friesland (now referred to as Fryslan) is a province in the North West of Holland. If water territory is counted, it is the largest province in the country and has about 195 windmills.
Historically, artificial dwelling hills were built as far back as 500 BC to protect early inhabitants against tidal waters. A massive rise in sea level around 300 AD resulted in the population leaving the area. Around 700 AD further artificial dwelling hills were constructed but by the year 1200, dykes became the preferred method in the Dutch people’s eternal struggle against the sea.
Black and white Frisian cattle originated in this area as well as many of the world’s fastest speed skaters. When it is cold enough the Elfstedentocht is held here on the frozen canals: an 120-mile race through eleven cities.
In the town of Sneek is a beautiful watergate, called Waterpoort. It is a gate in the city’s defensive wall that connects it to the waterway. The defensive walls were built around the city in the 15th-16th century. The gate was constructed in 1613. Although much of the wall has been demolished, the watergate remains.
Thoughts and Things
The book, Hans Brinker (or The Silver Skates), is part travelogue and history of this part of the Netherlands and part children’s classic from the nineteenth century.