Vianen

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For other uses, see Vianen (disambiguation).
Vianen
Location of Vianen
Coordinates: 52°0′N 5°6′E / 52, 5.1
Country Netherlands
Province Utrecht
Area (2006)
 - Total 42.37 km² (16.4 sq mi)
 - Land 39.47 km² (15.2 sq mi)
 - Water 2.90 km² (1.1 sq mi)
Population (1 January 2007)
 - Total 19,677
 - Density 499/km² (1,292.4/sq mi)
  Source: CBS, Statline.
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 - Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)

Vianen is a municipality and a city in the central Netherlands, in the province of Utrecht. It is the only municipality in Utrecht located south of the Lek River. Before 2002 it was part of the province of South Holland. Vianen is bordered by two major motorways leading to Utrecht: the A2 (Amsterdam-Maastricht) on its west, and the A27 (Breda-Almere) just east of the town. Both highways can be notoriously congested near Vianen during peak commute hours.

Contents

[edit] Population centres

(links to additional info bolded)

(Population as of February, 2006)

[edit] The city of Vianen

City gate (15th century)
City gate (15th century)

Vianen received city rights in 1336. Vianen thrived under the counts of Brederode, who acquired its lordship through marriage early in the 15th century. It formed a self-proclaimed sovereign seignory till 1795, including Vianen, Lexmond, Hei- en Boeicop and Meerkerk. During the Middle Ages, as a "free city," Vianen could be a haven for felons and escaped serfs. Of the three castles built during the town's history, Castle Batestein was said to be one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. Its only remnants are a 17th century brick gate and water-pump. Remnants of the old city wall are visible girdling parts of the old downtown.

Vianen celebrates its city rights every year in October with a horse-market. Besides the horses there are also other activities on this day, such as a fair and market and traditional Dutch games.

[edit] People born in Vianen

[edit] External links

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Utrecht Province
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