Haamstede

Haamstede is a village in Zeeland, Netherlands, part of the municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland, known for Haamstede Castle. First mentioned as "Haemstede" in 1229, its name means "place with a house or farm." The circular village surrounds a church built in the 10th century and rebuilt after a fire in 1506. Until 1454, Haamstede was under the Lords of Renesse; afterward, it passed to Burgundy. The castle, dating from the 13th century, has had various owners, including Charles V, who held a party there in 1525, leading to its destruction by fire. Restored and expanded by Jacob van den Eynde in the 17th century, it was later acquired by the Van der Lek de Clercq family and became a property of Natuurmonumenten in 1981.

The Dutch Reformed Church, built in the early 16th century, is a three-aisled cruciform structure without a tower or choir. Post-WWII, Haamstede developed into a tourist area and merged with Burgh, becoming part of Schouwen-Duiveland in 1997. The village also features the Westerlichttoren lighthouse.

Haamstede's population grew post-WWII, reflecting its shift to a tourist destination.