The historic city hall of Gouda, August 2023.
Shutters of the historic city hall.
Details of the historic Gouda city hall, August 2023.
Gouda is world-known, for the Gouda cheese. But what many don't know is that cheese was never made in the city. As part of its power play, Gouda managed to secure the sole sale rights of the cheese centuries ago. And that is how Gouda cheese got its name. The real dairy product with the name comes—of course—from the fields near the city. Here, the pH value of the soil gives the grass its special character, which the cows turn into milk and well ... the rest is history.
Gouda beer
What is also history is that Gouda was initially more famous for its beer. Centuries ago, the Hollandse IJssel river in Gouda apparently had such clarity that the rich and famous of Amsterdam let their laundry be done in it. But as drinking water, it was still inferior to the local beers made with this premium river water.
Gouda stroopwafels
Nowadays, Gouda beer is not a common export product of the Netherlands, but "stroopwafels"—the two slices of biscuit with caramelised sugar or syrup in between—are. Word has it that a long time ago a sock manufacturer was so low on business he invented something new to make a living, and the stroopwafel was born. You can find the original at Dutch airports when you fly home, and the rip-offs in the supermarkets and other shops abroad.
Visiting Gouda
Apart from those great achievements, Gouda is great to visit. For many years, this I did not do, despite living in the Netherlands for decades and passing Gouda by train, car or bus a zillion times. But in 2023, I finally made it. The photos are from this short visit.
Canal live near the St. John church, Gouda, August 2023.
The Gouda Museum Harbour, August 2023.
A mini library.
The Fish Bank, Gouda, August 2023.
The big mill, Gouda, August 2023.
Tower of the Gouwe church, August 2023.
Reflections of the big mill, Gouda, August 2023.
The Gouda inner harbour canal, August 2023.
The Fish Bank, Gouda, August 2023.