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Holiday homes
around Edam |
Edam is a city in the Dutch province
of Noord-Holland. The city of Edam was founded around a dam crossing
the river E or IJe close by the Zuiderzee (now known as the IJsselmeer).
Edam grew as a trade town, the inhabitants of the town levying
a toll when goods were loaded onto other vessels at the dam.
Shipbuilding and fishing brought Edam further wealth, while the
cheese market was the main boost of the economy in the 16th century
when Emperor Charles V gave Edam the right to have a market every
week. The cheese was brought to the market by local farmers with
little boats, where it was lifted out, carried to the market
by cheese carriers and shown to the merchants. After being tested
for their quality the price was settled by propose and denial
until there was an agreement about the price. Then the cheese
was brought to a warehouse where it was kept until the quality
was at its best. Since 1989, the cheese market in Edam has been
revived as a re-enactment for tourists. It is held each July
and August on each Wednesday from 10:30 to 12:30. The old city
centre of Edam within the borders of the old city walls is nowadays
protected by the government, as a number of notable buildings
survive in good condition including Grote Kerk or St. Nicholaaskerk,
the town hall and the Edam Museum. |
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