Leerdam
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| Leerdam | |||
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| Coordinates: | |||
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| Country | Netherlands | ||
| Province | South Holland | ||
| Area (2006) | |||
| - Total | 34.32 km² (13.3 sq mi) | ||
| - Land | 33.79 km² (13 sq mi) | ||
| - Water | 0.53 km² (0.2 sq mi) | ||
| Population (1 January 2007) | |||
| - Total | 20,682 | ||
| - Density | 612/km² (1,585.1/sq mi) | ||
| Source: CBS, Statline. | |||
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | ||
| - Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | ||
| Website: www.leerdam.nl | |||
Leerdam (population: 21,050 in 2004) is a town and municipality in the western Netherlands, in the province of South Holland.
The municipality covers an area of 34.32 km² (13.25 mile²) of which 0.53 km² (0.20 mile²) is water. It comprises the town of Leerdam, the rural villages Kedichem, Schoonrewoerd and Oosterwijk.
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[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 (Mrs. Aerden Courtyard), 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 internationally as known as "Royal Leerdam" and more particularly in respect of designerglass or glass art "Royal Leerdam Crystal". Leerdam is with Royal Leerdam Crystal, the National Glassmuseum, the Glass Centre (glassblowing and demonstration activities) and several art galleries the Glass City of the Netherlands and a major tourist attraction.
From Easter until the end of October international glassblowers work in the Glass Centre in Leerdam, which is open to the public.
[edit] Public transportation
Railway Dordrecht to Geldermalsen (line 19), with stations (municipalities bolded), and official station abbreviations:
- Dordrecht (ddr)
- Dordrecht Stadspolders (ddrs) (mun. Dordrecht)
- Sliedrecht (sdt)
- Hardinxveld-Giessendam (gnd)
- Gorinchem (gr)
- Arkel (akl) (mun. Giessenlanden)
- Leerdam (ldm)
- Beesd (bsd) (mun. Geldermalsen)
- Geldermalsen (gdm) edit
[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.
[edit] Born in Leerdam
- Manon van Rooijen (*1982), Dutch freestyle swimmer
[edit] External links
