Historic sites in Gouda

Gouda Heritage Trail

Gouda’s historical center is defined by its architectural legacy, ranging from the 15th-century Gothic Stadhuis to the 17th-century Waag designed by Pieter Post. This trail highlights the city’s industrial and civic past, featuring traditional corn mills like 't Slot and De Roode Leeuw, alongside the 1609 Lazaruspoortje gateway. The route also includes the 14th-century Barbaratoren and memorials dedicated to the De Houtman brothers and local benefactor A.A. van Bergen IJzendoorn.

Anjo van Wely / Public domain

Stadhuis van Gouda

One of the oldest Gothic town halls in the Netherlands, this 15th-century landmark features a distinctive facade and a carillon that performs historical scenes every half hour.

Taymuraz Pliev / CC-BY-SA

Waag

Designed by architect Pieter Post and completed in 1670, this historic weigh house was used for trade and cheese weighing. The facade features a detailed relief depicting the weighing process.

Gouwenaar / Public domain

Barbaratoren

The remaining tower of the former Saint Barbara Hospital chapel. Located at the corner of Kuiperstraat and Keizerstraat, it stands as a remnant of the city's medieval hospital complex.

Michielverbeek / CC BY-SA 4.0

't Slot

A round stone corn mill built in 1832 on the site of a former castle. It replaced an earlier octagonal windmill and remains a functional example of Dutch milling heritage.

De Roode Leeuw

A historic circular stone windmill that still operates as a flour mill. It is one of the oldest mills of its kind in the Netherlands.

Gouwenaar / Public domain

Lazaruspoortje

A decorative stone gateway built in 1609 by sculptor Gregorius Cool. It originally served as the entrance to the city's leper colony and later the hospital.

Gouwenaar / CC0

Gedenkteken A. A. van Bergen IJzendoorn

A monument from 1895 dedicated to Albertus Adrianus van Bergen IJzendoorn, a former mayor of Gouda known for his significant philanthropic contributions to the city.