Dokkum

Details

Category: Friesland - places to visit

Dokkum is a Dutch fortified town in the municipality of Dongeradeel in the province of Friesland. It has 13,145 inhabitants (January 1, 2006). The fortifications of Dokkum are well preserved and are known as the bolwerken ( = bulwarks).

History
The best known event in Dokkum's history is the assassination of the Anglo-Saxon missionary Saint Boniface in 754. Oliver of Cologne preached the Fifth Crusade in Dokkum in 1214 and Dokkum sent a contingent; the crescent in the coat of arms of Dokkum refers to this event. Dokkum acquired city rights in 1298.

In 1572 Dokkum was sacked by the Spaniards after it had joined the Dutch Revolt. In 1597, the Admiralty of Friesland was established in Dokkum. However, it was moved to Harlingen in 1645.

 

Windmills
In 1652, Dokkum had five windmills, these were all post mills.
Dokkum has two windmills, cap mills, that are preserved and both of them are open to the public by appointment. They are named Zeldenrust and De Hoop. A third mill, De Marmeerin stands by the Woudvaart outside the town.