Bolsward, near Sneek in northwestern Friesland, is one of the 11 Frisian towns. It was once a prosperous port and Hanseatic town on the Middelzee but, since the Middelzee was drained, this has been mainly an agricultural area. Bolsward has two vocational colleges (dairy industry). There are a number of popular festivals during the summer an annual bicycle racing tour and an ice skating marathon, the runs only when the ice is thick enough. The history of the town can be traced back to 715. In the ninth century a tower house was built on the higher ground here which provided security from flooding. The town became a member of the Hanseatic League in 1412 and received its municipal charter in 1455.
The red brick Town Hall in Bolsward, built by local craftsmen in 1614-16, is the finest Renaissance building in Friesland. In the 18th century the original facade was replaced by a handsome Baroque gable and a Roccoco external staircase. The tower has a carillon. Notable features of the interior are the magnificent Council Chamber, the period furniture, pictures and silver.
In the triangular area between Bolsward, Workum and Makkum visitors can follow the Aldfaers Erfroute, which takes in the villages of Exmorra, Allingawier, Ferwoude and Piaan and several small museums. It is well worth while continuing to Makkum, Workum, Hindeloopen or Stavoren.
The Gothic Grote Kerk or Martinikerk (15th C.) is one of the largest churches in Friesland (nave 60m/200ft long), with a high saddleback roof. The aisles are separated from the nave by massive columns. The choir-stalls (15th C.) and pulpit (1662) are decorated with carvings of Biblical scenes. Other notable features are the magnificent grave-slabs from the little Broerekerk (1281) and the organ by the Groningen organ-builder A. A. Hinsz (1775-81). There are frequent organ recitals in the church, which has excellent acoustics.
10km/6mi northwest of Bolsward is Witmarsum, birthplace of Menno Simonsz (1496-1561), founder of the Mennonite sect. The little village church (Reformed) was built in his memory in 1633.
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Exmorra, Netherlands
