Edam, Netherlands Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Edam

Edam in 2010

Flag	Coat of arms

Province

Municipality

Population

7,380

• Density

1,422/km² (3,680/sq mi)

Website

edam-volendam.nl

Edam is a charming city in the northwest Netherlands. It is located in the province of North Holland. Edam is part of the larger municipality of Edam-Volendam, which also includes the nearby town of Volendam.

About 7,380 people live in Edam itself. The name Edam comes from a dam built on a small river called the E or IJe. This is where the first settlement began, and it was named IJedam. Edam is most famous around the world for its delicious cheese.

History of Edam
Exploring the Old City Center
The Famous Cheese Market
Images for kids
See also

History of Edam

An old map of Edam from around 1866.

The city of Edam started around a dam built across the river E or IJe. This river was close to the Zuiderzee, which is now known as the IJsselmeer. Around the year 1230, the river was dammed.

At this dam, goods had to be moved from one boat to another. The people of Edam could charge a fee for this, called a toll. This helped Edam grow into an important trading town. Building ships and fishing also brought a lot of wealth to the city.

In 1357, Count Willem V of Holland gave Edam special rights as a "borough." This was partly because of a war happening at the time between two groups, the Hoeken and the Kabeljauwen. They were fighting for control over the towns in Holland.

Having borough rights allowed the people of Edam to build a new harbor. This new harbor connected Edam to major cities in Holland and to international trade routes. By the 16th century, Edam had 33 shipyards! The city was also allowed to hold a market three times a year. These things greatly boosted Edam's economy. It became one of the most important towns in North Holland, just like Enkhuizen, Hoorn, and Amsterdam.

However, the open sea mouth of the harbor caused flooding in the areas behind the city. So, in 1544, Emperor Charles V ordered the harbor to be closed with lock gates. These gates were built in the city center in 1569. This caused the harbor to fill with sand and mud, and the shipbuilding industry slowly disappeared by the end of the 17th century.

The cheese market became the main source of income for Edam in the 16th century. On April 16, 1526, Emperor Charles V gave Edam the right to have a market every week. Later, in 1594, Prince Willem I made this right permanent. He did this to show his thanks for Edam's support during the Siege of Alkmaar.

Exploring the Old City Center

The old part of Edam, which was once surrounded by city walls, is now protected by the government. This means its main buildings and special architectural details are preserved. Many old buildings are still in great condition today.

St. Nicolas Church

The Grote Kerk, also known as St. Nicholaaskerk, is a very large church. It was probably built in the early 15th century. The church suffered big fires in 1602 and 1699 after lightning struck its tower. When it was rebuilt in 1701, the tower was made much shorter.

St. Nicholas Church is one of the largest churches in Europe with three ridges on its roof. It was built on piles because its weight was a big concern. The ceiling inside looks like stone but is actually made of wood. The church also has many beautiful stained glass windows. These were given as gifts by nearby towns or by Edam's successful guilds, like the guild of ship carpenters, after the fire in 1602.

The Town Hall

The town hall was built in 1737. It is quite grand compared to other buildings in Edam. Its entrance has heavy double doors and sandstone decorations in the Louis XIV style. A wooden tower sits on top, completing its look. The town hall is still used today for special events like marriage ceremonies.

The Edam Museum

Across the dam from the Town Hall is Edam's oldest brick house. It was built around 1530 as a private home. In 1895, it was turned into a museum. This house shows how Dutch homes were built during that time. Its inside layout is still completely original.

The house has a deeper kitchen with living spaces above it. From the kitchen, you can reach a "floating cellar." This is a brick room that floats freely on ground water. Some stories say a sea captain built it because he missed the sea. However, it was probably built to keep things dry inside without needing special waterproof foundations.

The Carillon Tower

Records suggest that a church called Our Dear Lady was on this site since 1350. Its tower dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Even though the church was taken down in 1882, the old Gothic Carillon tower still stands.

In 1972, the tower was in danger of falling. It was supported with steel beams and then fully restored. The bells, which stick out from the open top of the tower, were made by Pieter van den Ghein in 1566. They still play a short tune every 15 minutes. Sometimes, the melody changes. For example, on December 5th, you might hear typical St Nicholas songs.

The Famous Cheese Market

The lively cheese market in Edam, August 2006.

After Edam received the right to hold weekly markets, commercial cheese markets were held in the town until 1922. Farmers from the area brought their cheese to the market on small boats. When the cheese was taken off the boats, it was carried to the market on special cheese sledges.

At the market, the cheese was shown to the merchants. They would test its quality. Then, the price was decided through haggling, which means bargaining back and forth until they agreed. After a deal was made, the cheese was taken to a warehouse. It stayed there until it was perfectly aged and ready to be sold.

Since 1989, the cheese market in Edam has been brought back as a fun re-enactment for tourists. It takes place every Wednesday in July and August.