De Rijp town hall - De Rijp

De Rijp is a North-Holland village with a beautiful historic centre. In the middle of this centre stands the centuries-old Raadhuis (Town Hall), a structure from 1630 and a charming reminder of the Golden Age.

The Raadhuis was commissioned by the village council and designed by Jan Adriaanszoon Leeghwater. A bust stands in front of the Town Hall and a portrait of the designer hangs in the council chamber.

There is much more to see in the Town Hall. Besides the portrait of Jan Adriaanszoon Leeghwater, there is a portrait of De Rijp's richest shipowner, Jan Boon, and many others. On the ground floor you will find De Waag, the place where cattle and products of agriculture and industry used to be weighed. And don't forget to take a look at the original 17th-century fire hydrant by Jan van der Heijden.

Now the Council House is home to De Rijp's tourist office. You can book a guided tour of the entire building. Also, the Raadhuis is a popular wedding venue.

Photo: ©Renee Koopman, via Bureau Toerisme Laag Holland