Hertogenbosch - the capital of the province of North Brabant
Hertogenbosch, colloquially known as Den Bosch is a municipality in the Netherlands, and also the capital of the province of North Brabant.
It is located in the south of the Netherlands, some 80 km south of Amsterdam.
's-Hertogenbosch was founded as a fortified city and that heritage can still be seen today. Because the main ramparts are crucial in keeping out the water, they have never been slighted, their usual fate in The Netherlands. In contrast to cities like Rotterdam, 's-Hertogenbosch survived the Second World War relatively unscathed.
Much of its historic heritage remains intact, and today there are always renovations going on in the city to preserve the many old buildings, fortifications, churches and statues for later generations. In 2004 the city was awarded the title European Fortress City of the year. It is planned to restore the city defences to much of their old glory in the coming years. 's-Hertogenbosch also has the oldest extant brick house in The Netherlands, 'de Moriaan', which was built at the beginning of the 13th century.
In the north of the old city, the hexagonal powder arsenal, or Kruithuis, still exists, one of only two of its kind in the country. The Townhall is a 17th century building, erected in the typical style of Dutch classicism. Around the city itself many other fortresses can still be seen. Until recently it was a major garrison town.
Once in a year 's-Hertogenbosch changes its name to "Oeteldonk" (Frog Hill). This change only lasts for three days of Carnaval, a Catholic holiday for celebrating the days before Lent.
