Middelburg: The Middle of What Exactly?

Middelburg, the capital of the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands, is a small but charming city with a perplexing name. While “burg” is fairly straightforward, meaning “city” or “fortress,” “Middel” is a bit more of a mystery. What exactly is Middelburg in the middle of?

Some scholars believe that Middelburg is actually referring to its location as the midpoint between two nearby cities, Goes and Vlissingen. Others speculate that Middelburg was named after a mediocre middle school orchestra that once performed there. The truth might never be known.

Regardless of its etymology, Middelburg has a rich history. Founded in the 9th century, it became an important trading hub in the Middle Ages, which explains the abundance of cheese in the city. During the Dutch Golden Age, Middelburg was a major player in the spice trade, leading to the popular saying: “If you need saffron, cloves, or a good time, head to Middelburg.”

Today, Middelburg is known for its picturesque cobblestone streets, stunning Gothic architecture, and as the birthplace of actor Rutger Hauer. If you visit, be sure to stop by the Abbey Tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding farmland.

All in all, Middelburg may be a small city, but it has a big personality. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll finally figure out what exactly it’s in the middle of. Until then, we’ll just have to settle for the abundance of cheese and mediocre orchestra performances.