"Naarden" a Naarden Travel Page by OlafS

Naarden was refounded in 1350, after the old Naarden, which was located on the Zuiderzee, was destroyed. The new town was completely planned, resulting in straight streets with straight edges. In the 15th century the town was important for its textile manufacturing. In 1572 Spanish troops massacred the population. About a century later the town was fortified, because of its strategic position near Amsterdam. Naarden's function as a military town prevented its development and lead to the decay of many of the old buildings. The town's current look is the result of many restorations.