Zaanstad is an amalgamation of seven old villages along the Zaan, each with its character still recognisable. In the 17th century hundreds of windmills stood by the banks of the river. Interesting relics can still be seen in the Mill Museum in Koog a/d Zaan. Over the course of time many mills have vanished, but a few surviving ones can still be seen in full working order on the Zaanse Schans. In this historic village there are still typical wooden houses and traditional businesses built in the style of the region. The district has industrial development to thank for its prosperity. In the 17th century this expressed itself as mills, later (after the invention of the steam engine)there came factories. Along the Zaan there still stand various old factory buildings. The new Zaans Museum, besides the Zaanse Schans, displays the past of this rich region. Zaanstad stands hard by Amsterdam, but nevertheless itself has a high level of amenities. Thus there are sports and recreation facilities, you can shop in the different centres and go out in the renovated centre of Zaandam. Besides this, the Zaan is the approach road for the water-sports enthusiast on his way to the Noord-Holland districts.