Schiedam Attractions
The port of Schiedam, situated at the point where the Schie flows into the Nieuwe Maas, has now joined up with Rotterdam. The town grew up in the 13th century around a castle on the Schie and received its municipal charter in 1275. It was originally inhabited mainly by fishermen and seamen. Of the 19 windmills which once stood on the town walls four survive; one of them is still working.
Sights
There are a number of notable buildings in the old town of Schiedam. The Grote Kerk or St Janskerk (1400) is a hall-church with a 54m/177ft high tower. On the north side of the tower is the Weigh House (Waag; 1748). Also of interest are the Town Hall (16th C.), the former Corn Exchange (1792), the Proveniershuis (almshouse; 1759) and the Zakkendragershuisje (guild house of the Porters' Guild; 1725).
