Gouda – Netherlands
The town of Gouda lies along the Gouwe River in the province of South Holland. During the Middle Ages the city prospered as a trading center connected to regional waterways that linked the interior of the Netherlands with the North Sea.
Gouda is widely known for its traditional Gouda cheese, which has been produced and traded in the region for centuries. The historic market square remains the heart of the city, surrounded by merchant houses and the striking Gothic St. John’s Church (Sint-Janskerk), famous for its remarkable stained glass windows.
The well-preserved historic center reflects the prosperity of Dutch merchant towns during the medieval and early modern periods.
