Franeker has played an important role in Frisian history. The city was called 'The eye of Friesland'. Representatives of the emperor and the pope held their meetings here and many noblemen lived there. The many stinsen and states they lived in are still standing. The Martena House, the former city palace, for example. You can recognize it by the yellow and red monastery jokes from which it is built. Even the garden is special. Martena's vassal Hessel grew flowers and plants from southern Europe. In early spring you can enjoy his hobby: then the rare stinsen flora is in bloom.
In Franeker you will find many antique and trinket shops. The house of the former tea merchant Van Balen, for example. The interior of his home and shop is one of the best-preserved Art Nouveau interiors in the country.