Discover Sint Maartensdijk
Take a guided walk through Sint Maartensdijk
Are you looking for a core with a story? Then Sint-Maartensdijk is the perfect place for you. Located on the southwest coast of the island of Tholen, this beautiful orange narrow city offers a lot of special buildings. Be surprised by the historic center, full of national monuments such as the imposing Maartenskerk from the 15th century and the beautiful old Town Hall from the 16th century.
In Sint-Maartensdijk you will find the perfect combination between history and modern architectural styles. Are you ready to discover what this beautiful core has to offer? During our walks we invite you to increase your knowledge and appreciation for Sint Maartensdijk. We explore the history and culture of the village and some of its most remarkable sights and objects.
Narrowstad, connected with Oranje
Sint-Maartensdijk is mentioned in Dutch historiography as early as the 13th century. At the end of the 14th century, the Van Borssele family acquired the castle north of Sint-Maartensdijk. This castle was also the home of Lord Frank van Borssele and Countess Jacoba of Bavaria. Alienora van Borssele, Frank's sister, gave the place city rights in 1485, allowing the narrow city to be reinforced with ramparts, fortresses and three gates. Via the first wife of William of Orange, Anna van Egmond – better known as Anna van Buren – Sint-Maartensdijk Castle came into the possession of the Oranges in the 16th century. It was finally demolished in 1818 after a period of decay. Archaeological excavations of the remains were carried out in the 60s. Today only the moat is still visible, on the edge of the village.
Since the sixteenth century, Sint-Maartensdijk has been one of the eight Zeeland narrow towns. These are smaller towns with city rights but without a seat in the States of Zeeland. In Regional Museum De Meeeloos you can find more information about the bond between Sint-Maartensdijk and the Oranjes, a bond that still exists. For example, Queen Beatrix visited Sint-Maartensdijk in 1996 and King Willem-Alexander is currently Lord of Sint-Maartensdijk.
Book a tour
- Length of time: 1,5 hours.
- When: Every day of the week, subject to guide availability.
- Costs: € 50 per group (maximum 20 people).
- Languages: Dutch, English or German.
- Details: Do you have special interests? Let us know and your guide will respond as best as possible.
Book a guided tour of Sint Maartensdijk: Fill in the interest form and we will contact you as soon as possible.