sHertogenbosch

s-Hertogenbosch, commonly known in Dutch as Den Bosch, is the capital of the province of North Brabant in the southern Netherlands. The city sits on the Dommel river and is renowned for its well-preserved medieval centre, which is surrounded by a network of canals and the historic Binnendieze watercourses.

The name means the duke's forest, a reference to its founding in the late 12th century by Henry, Duke of Brabant, as a fortified town and market centre. It developed as an important garrison town and trading hub. During the Eighty Years' War, the city was captured by Dutch forces in 1629 after a siege, and its fortifications were strengthened in the following century. The remnants of the old walls, gates and ramparts still mark the historic core.

Landmarks and culture: The Sint-Janskathedraal is a prominent late-Gothic cathedral with tall spires. The Noordbrabants Museum houses Brabantine art and includes works by Hieronymus Bosch, who was born in the region. The Grote Markt hosts the Stadhuis (city hall) and regular markets. The Binnendieze canal system runs beneath the town, offering a distinctive urban landscape. Den Bosch is also known for the Oeteldonk carnival and for the Bossche Bol, a cream-filled pastry covered in chocolate that is closely associated with the city.

Modern city and institutions: Den Bosch serves as the provincial capital with an economy based on services, cultural tourism and education. The Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (JADS) operates in the area as a center for data science research. The city is a major rail hub, with Den Bosch railway station providing frequent connections to Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven, and it lies near the A2 motorway.