Strong city

‘Victory began in Alkmaar’. This slogan refers to one of the most famous episodes in the history of Alkmaar: its conquest of the Spaniards in 1573. The legacy of this rich and illustrious past can still be admired in its convivial city centre. The canals with their characteristic drawbridges, the monuments over 400 in number, the peaceful courtyards, the old facades and the narrow streets of shops give the centre of the city its very special atmosphere. It’s not just chance that Alkmaar is the tenth shopping city in the Netherlands!