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Franeker (Frjentsjer)
Franeker, or Frjentsjer in the Frisian language, has long been an important centre for the area known as Westergo, between Harlingen and Leeuwarden. In the 16th to the 18th Century it was the cultural centre of Friesland, as is still visible in its many historical buildings. There is a ring of canals, completely surrounding the city, that was completed when the 16th Century gave way to the 17th.
One of the most important buildings is the Town Hall, built in renaissance style between 1591 and 1594. It still occupies a central place, situated along one of the canals in the centre of the city. Nearby is the interesting Planetarium, built in the late 18th Century by Eise Eisinga in his house. There are reminders of the time Franeker was a University city, in the aristocratic Professors' houses and the Students' Club House, still in use as a pub.
Franeker is the centre of the Frisian National Sport, "kaatsen" (fives) and there are competitions during Whitsun and in the summer months on the "Tsjûkelân", the green next to the old Students' Pub. The "Agrarische dagen" (Agrarian days, an exhibition of farming equipment and events, a celebration of rural life and just plain fun, also takes place in summer.
 Town Hall |  View to Town Hall |  Town Hall |  View from Bolwerk | |
 Kaatsveld |  "Kaatsen" |  De Bogt fen Guiné |  Frisian boy | |
 Professor's houses |  Korendragershuisje |  Typical villa |  Zuiderkade |
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