Leerdam

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Image:Ltspkr.pngLeerdam (population: 21,050 in 2004) is a town in the western Netherlands, in the province of South Holland.

[edit] Geography

The municipality covers an area of 34.32 km² (of which 0.53 km² water. The municipality of Leerdam also includes the following towns, villages and townships: Kedichem, Oosterwijk, Schoonrewoerd. The municipality of Leerdam comprises the town of Leerdam, the rural villages Kedichem and Schoonrewoerd and the hamlet of Oosterwijk.

[edit] History

Leerdam received city rights in 1407. The small river Linge, bordered by beautiful water meadows, defines the atmosphere and tone of the landscape. Several centuries ago Leerdam formed a part of the Vijfheerenlanden domain, before it was raised to the level of County in 1498. The rich history of Leerdam can be found in well-kept historic buildings such as the Grote Kerk [Great Church], the Hofje van mevrouw van Aerden, the remaining and restored city walls on the Zuidwal and the Oude Raadhuis [Old City Hall].

[edit] Glass industry

From the 18th century the town culture was strongly influenced by the glass industry and the timber industry. The current glass industry is known internationally as ‘Royal Leerdam’ and BSN Glasspack.

From Easter until the end of October international glassblowers work in the [1]Glass Centre in Leerdam, which is open to the public.

[edit] Tourist Information

The tourist information office (VVV) in Leerdam is situated in the library nearby the trainstation. They can inform you about all kind of activities in Leerdam and accommodation. Telephone: +31 345 - 613 057. Or click here for the English website of the VVV Leerdam.