Statue of Michiel Adriaanszoon de Ruyter - Vlissingen

Michiel de Ruyter is the most famous naval hero of the Netherlands. From his birth in 1607 until 1655, he lived in Vlissingen. The Dutch association: Maatschappij tot Nut van ‘t Algemeen (Society for the Common Good) decided to honour his merits in 1841, by having a large statue made and placed on the De Ruyterplein in the centre of Vlissingen. To save costs, the statue was made of cast iron instead of bronze.

In 1894, it was decided to move the statue affectionately called ‘Michieltje’ (little Michiel) to the Boulevard. At least this way De Ruyter could look out over the sea he loved so much.

In recent years, Michiel de Ruyter's hero status is no longer completely uncontroversial. As far as is known, he was not a slave trader himself, but by protecting the trade routes, for instance, he was indirectly involved. Discussion about his past has not led to the removal or modification of the statue until now.