A Cute Mini City- Madurodam

It was a bright and sunny Sunday morning in the end May! It was a pleasure to walk and brave the cold winds from the North Sea. The jackets provided little comfort from the strong wind. It was just a short walk to Madurodam, from the hotel where we had checked in the previous evening!

 Madurodam , is a miniature city  located in Scheveningen,  at The Hague, in Netherlands. It is touted as the smallest city in The Netherlands and constructed in 1: 25 ratio of the whole country. It has windmills, the canals, even steamers as they ply in Rotterdam port, miniature Amsterdam with quiet flowing Amstel River, the parks and even miniature Schipol Airport with moving airplanes!

The miniature city was opened in May 1952 as an amusement park in The Hague. The park was constructed by Mrs and Mr Maduro in the memory of their lone son who died in a prison camp at Dachu in 1945 during the Second World War. He was decorated for his gallantry and all money received, was donated by the parents in constructing a memorial. With the help of Mayor of The Hague, this small township came into a reality. It has not changed much in the character and draws huge crowds especially on holidays.

It is a fully functional mini city with power plants, generators and landscapes of The Netherlands. One can see the tulip gardens, and well manicured greens as they exist in the city of depiction.

 As a child, there is hardly an exception of not having indulged in building the sand castles by the beach or mud and stone houses at home! Madurodam, is one such fantasy world which unfolds like reliving a childhood.

It is like going through the history and geography of the country in one go with the real ‘live’ working models. It is one of the most amazing experiences to see this unique mini city! A country which is otherwise known for its tulips, cheese, the blue pottery of Delft, and the red light areas of Dam Street in Amsterdam, it is such a different retreat to experience!