Purmerend Market Square (Markt)

Purmerend lies north of Amsterdam, on the edge of the drained lakes of the Beemster and the Purmer, and for centuries it was the trading town of this farming district. The land around it was reclaimed in the early seventeenth century and became rich pasture, and the produce of that land, above all cattle, butter and cheese, came to Purmerend to be sold. Its central square, known as the Koemarkt, the cow market, recalls that role, and it is one of the places where the town's commercial history is easiest to see.

In the days when the cattle market was in full swing, the square would have been filled with animals, farmers and dealers, with the noise and smell that go with a livestock trade. Cattle markets in the Netherlands were great social occasions as well as commercial ones, drawing people from all the surrounding villages. Purmerend's was among the largest in the region, and the town also held a cheese market on a square nearby, the Kaasmarkt, where the museum now stands. Over the twentieth century, the livestock trade moved away from town centres, and the squares were redesigned for other uses.

Today the Koemarkt is a pleasant public space with terraces and restaurants around it, and a mixture of older and newer buildings. It is traffic-calmed and easy to walk across, and in good weather the tables spill out into the square and people sit over coffee, lunch or a drink. Events and markets are held here at certain times of year, adding to the life of the place, and the square works as a meeting point for locals. There is no charge to enter, and the square is open at all times. Nearby streets contain shops and cafes, and parking is available around the centre.

The square is a good starting point for exploring the town. The Purmerends Museum, in the former town hall on the Kaasmarkt, tells the story of the town, its reclamation from the water and its notable natives, among them the architects J.J.P. Oud and Mart Stam. The surrounding polders are excellent for cycling, with flat paths along the dykes, and the Beemster, a UNESCO World Heritage polder, lies close by. Amsterdam is reached in about half an hour by bus.

The square suits visitors who want to see an ordinary Dutch town with a long history, cyclists and families. A stop takes half an hour, longer with a meal. Check local information about market days and events.