For many centuries the Netherlands belong to the world’s most developed countries. Man learned here to shape the natural landscape according to his needs – but in order to succeed, he needed to change himself. Thus in the Netherlands developed a special society – able to unite for common goals, rationalistic, and always innovative.
The most amazing wonders of the Netherlands are:
- Large scale hydrotechnical systems, powered with wind or steam engines. These systems were created in dire need – protection from terrible floods. Dutch succeeded in an excellent way, gradually ” pumping the sea away ” and increasing their land area. An excellent example of such a sophisticated system is Kinderdijk – Elshout windmill system, which for centuries kept the sea away from fertile land.
- Urban planning tradition. In this low-lying country, people learned very well the efficiency of water transport. Channels led directly to the front door of factories, shops, and apartments. The movement of goods and people was fast and cheap. This defined the planning of cities. The most extreme example of this is Amsterdam – one of the most peculiar urban planning monuments in the world.
- Modern architecture. Modernist architecture looked like a big step elsewhere in the world, but not in the Netherlands, where the architecture for centuries was gradually evolving towards it. Quite a few 100 years old Dutch buildings still look futuristic!
- Keukenhof flower gardens, the largest flower garden in the world!
