Netherlands – Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout
We all know that these huge windmills featuring lattice-shaped blades were not powering up the neighbourhood. But then, why were these wind farms used?
Netherlands – Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout
The windmills at Kinderdijk were built in the mid-1700s as a way to clear water from the low-lying landscape of the western Netherlands.
Netherlands – Wadden Sea
The tidal flats of the Dutch Wadden Sea run a very real risk of becoming permanently submerged because of sea level rises and subsidence caused by gas and salt extraction, a report by the region’s lobby group Waddenvereniging shows. It is unlikely that the process of sedimentation – or bringing in new sand and mud – will keep up with the rising sea levels and the Wadden Sea eco system may be a thing of the past by the end of this century, the report says. The Wadden Sea stretches from Den Helder to Denmark and is a Unesco world heritage site. The area is an important breeding and overwintering ground for birds and has a rich fauna and flora while the Wadden Sea islands are popular Dutch holiday destinations.
Netherlands – Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
Let’s face it, Utrecht hardly sounds like an attractive destination – the word is like something urban, industrial and grimy.
But I couldn’t have been more wrong because Utrecht is possibly the prettiest canal city in Europe.
It reminded me of a cross between Bruges and Amsterdam, but without the heaving crowds.
The medieval city centre is small enough to explore on foot, but large enough to attract world-class festivals, hip shops and cafes, fascinating museums, inspiring architects and designers.
In the spring, the squares and green spaces are filled with flowers and it makes Utrecht a refreshing destination for a weekend break and a great place to recharge your batteries after the long winter.
This year is the ideal time to visit as Utrecht is celebrating 100 years of the De Stijl art movement.
Netherlands – Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House)
“Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.” _ World Heritage Center – UNESCO
World Heritage Sites are natural or built landmarks, from all over the world, which have been deemed valuable to humanity by the UNESCO. The UNESCO selects these sites based on a list of 10 selection criteria. If the building satisfies just one of them then it can be included in the World Heritage List. The 10 selection criteria are divided into cultural and natural criteria. The cultural criteria, for example, include points like: “to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;” and “to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.”
The Wadden Sea coastal ecosystems join 9 cultural sites celebrating centuries of rich Dutch culture and history.
The Wadden Sea coastal ecosystems join nine cultural sites celebrating centuries of rich Dutch culture and history. Most of the Dutch heritage sites revolve around the use of water. Throughout history, the Dutch people have reclaimed swamplands, built a strong maritime trade, used water for defense, and to harness power.
This heritage site, inscribed in 2010 as a cultural world heritage site, is a network of intersecting waterways built in the 17th century, otherwise known as the Golden Age. The canals were built to expand the medieval city of Amsterdam, which was then growing into a wealthy maritime trade center.
What goes on inside a windmill?
Source: What Are Those Picturesque Dutch Windmills Actually For?
Since 2010, Amsterdam’s canal ring has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Since the 17th century, this unique transportation system has allowed visitors to the Netherlands’ capital to reach what is probably the city’s most famous attraction. In the middle of the 13th century, Dutch fishermen established a trading village along the Amstel River in northwest Holland.
Source: Column: The canals of Amsterdam
Cruising the canals offers good views of Amsterdam’s 16th, 17th and 18th century architecture.
Source: Take a timelapse ride through Amsterdam canals before Dutch royal visit
The canals of Amsterdam are one of the first attractions you think of when visiting Amsterdam, and they’re one of the best. You can’t help admiring them.
Source: The Canals of Amsterdam: Everything You Need to Know
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Aizudin Zainal
IU7. UNL.
All About World Heritage Sites 