It's an array of fourteen 25 metre radio telescopes. I guess they are where they are is because it's a relatively remote spot in an otherwise fairly heavily populated country.
For the technically minded here is some information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westerbork_Synthesis_Radio_Telescope
For me it is their aesthetic beauty that wins out every time.
I can't see there radio telescopes without being reminded of the wonderful Aussie film, The Dish. If you haven't seen it, check it out. It has the best rendition of the American national anthem ever on film and the wonderful line, 'My wife, May, she's the lemon.'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dish
