Den Bosch

About

Den Bosch was founded in the 12th century by Duke Henry I of Brabant in his family forest. The town’s official name is 's-Hertogenbosch (literally ‘The Duke’s Forest’) in recognition of this. During the Middle Ages, the town flourished, eventually growing to be the second largest settlement in the Netherlands in the 16th century. Today, much of the city’s glorious past has been preserved within its 16th century fortified wall. Crossed by two rivers, the city has a series of unique tunnel canals visitors can explore. Dominated the old town however is the stunning Gothic cathedral, which is the largest in the Netherlands. Art aficionados might already have recognized the town’s name: it was home the renowned painter Hieronymus Bosch. A museum dedicated to the influential painter is housed in a former church, where visitors can learn about the artist’s life, see a photographic overview of his work, and even step into a recreation of his Renaissance workshop.