Vestingstad Alkmaar

The settlement of Alkmaar was established in the 10th century. It was a modest village at the time, but gradually it grew into a real city. In 1254 Alkmaar was granted city rights and from then on the city started to grow rapidly. It quickly became an important trade center and the city experienced golden times in the 16th and 17th centuries. Traces of the old fortifications of the city can still be found here and there in the center of Alkmaar. For example, parts of the old city wall that was built around 1528 are still exhibited here. In 1573, the city walls were improved under threat of the approaching army of Alva. This city wall used to be part of the first fortifications around the northeastern part of the current city. The moat used to be outside the walls, which was about twenty meters wide. Nowadays you will find the Victorie Park here. In 1999 parts of the wall were excavated at the Canadaplein on the west side of Alkmaar. In the municipal museum you can view part of the old wall.