Zierikzee travels back to the late Middle Ages
In 2026, it will be exactly 500 years since the Gravensteen in Zierikzee was completed. This will be celebrated with a major historical event: the Gravensteen 500 Historical Day, on Saturday 29 August 2026. On that day, the town centre – particularly the Havenplein and the Havenpark – will be transformed into a living scene from the late Middle Ages.
A building steeped in power, justice and history
The Gravensteen was built between 1524 and 1526 on the orders of Emperor Charles V, Count of Holland and Zeeland. The building was not merely a stone house, but the administrative heart of the Zeeland region east of the Scheldt, with the Gravensteen in Zierikzee serving as the centre of power and justice.
Within its walls sat the bailiff, who governed on behalf of the count. There was a courtroom for administering justice and even a prison, which remained in use until 1923. The façade still bears symbols of the Habsburgs and the Order of the Golden Fleece – silent witnesses to a time when Zierikzee was an important administrative centre.
Nowadays, part of the building is used by the Fair Trade Shop, and the historic prison cells are open to the public via guided tours organised by the Town Hall Museum. There are plans to further develop the Gravensteen into a museum site in the future.
A town transformed into a medieval stage
During the Historical Day, the centre of Zierikzee is completely transformed. The Havenplein and the Havenpark – together with surrounding areas such as the Beuze and the bandstand – are set up as a medieval festival site.
Visitors follow a marked route through various zones:
- Blue zones: areas for games, demonstrations and lively activities
- Green zones: crafts, props, market stalls and historical artefacts
Re-enactment groups bring the Middle Ages to life with drama, humour, music and historical scenes. This creates a walking route full of stories, from the market to the courtroom and from crafts to spectacle.
Street justice and living history
A special highlight of the day is the historical administration of justice. A court is set up beneath the Beuze, and in front of the Gravensteen, the old platform where punishments were once carried out comes back to life.
At set times, iconic court cases are re-enacted there, based on historical sources such as Zierikzee’s so-called ‘books of truth’. This gives the public a glimpse into the criminal justice system of the late Middle Ages – not as dry history, but as living theatre.
A family celebration for the whole town
The organisers have clear objectives: to celebrate the town’s heritage, to strengthen Zierikzee’s identity as a town of monuments, and to create an accessible family event for young and old alike.
Local businesses are actively involved. Catering outlets on Havenplein serve medieval-inspired dishes, and local businesses can take part in historical style. In this way, the event is not only a reconstruction of the past, but also a collaboration with the present.
Rederijkers, music and a medieval atmosphere
In the garden of the Gravensteen, De Rederijkers will be presenting short previews of their new performance ‘Het Beulszwaard’ (The Executioner’s Sword). Music, performances and theatrical scenes ensure that visitors are constantly being surprised as they stroll through the town.
Zierikzee as a living heritage city
Gravensteen 500 celebrates not only a 500-year-old building, but also the story of the city itself. Zierikzee thus presents itself once again as a place where history is not confined behind glass, but comes alive on the streets.
A day on which past and present literally meet – amidst the market, crime, music and medieval imagination.
The day is organised by the Friends of Zierikzee Heritage Foundation.
The Hurgronje Family Fund is one of the sponsors of this event.
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