Alkmaar

Alkmaar älk´mär [key], city (1994 pop. 92,962), North Holland prov., NW Netherlands. It is an important market town with varied industries. Alkmaar also attracts tourists, especially because of the famous Edam-cheese market, held weekly in front of the 16th-century weighhouse. Alkmaar was chartered in 1254. Its successful defense (1573) against Spanish troops was a turning point in the revolt of the Netherlands.

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