Appingedam

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Appingedam

---

mapsize = 280px
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = Netherlands
subdivision_type1 = Province
subdivision_name1 = Groningen
area_footnotes = (2006)
area_total_km2 = 24.62
area_land_km2 = 23.84
area_water_km2 = 0.78
population_as_of = 1 January, 2007
population_note = Source: CBS, [http://statline.cbs.nl/ Statline] .
settlement_type = Municipality
population_total = 12190
population_density_km2 = 511
timezone = CET
utc_offset = +1
timezone_DST = CEST
utc_offset_DST = +2
latd = 53
latm = 19
latNS = N
longd = 6
longm = 52
longEW = E

Appingedam (Pronunciation|001 Appingedam.ogg, Gronings: "n Daam) is a municipality and a city in the northeastern Netherlands.

Population centres

Appingedam, Garreweer, Jukwerd, Laskwerd, Marsum, Oling, Opwierde, Solwerd, Tjamsweer.

Appingedam

Little is known about the exact age and origin of the name of Appingedam. It came into existence on the banks of the Delf, the present Damsterdiep, around 1200. The name originates from a dam built in the "Appe" or "Apt".

In 1327 Appingedam received city rights from the free Frisians of the Upstalboom near the East Frisian city of Aurich. Appingedam and Aurich still have friendly liaisons via a partnership called the "Partnerschaft" or "Town's bond". Appingedam is located in the region Fivelingo, which in the Middle Ages was a part of Frisia.

In the Late Middle Ages, Appingedam, being a seaport, was an important trading competitor to Groningen. When Groningen received the staple right, Appingedam rapidly lost its trading position. Later on Delfzijl outstripped Appingedam with its newer and bigger seaport.

Nowadays Appingedam still looks indispensable as a small city. Many original medieval premises can be found in the centre. The most famous sight is the hanging kitchens above the Damsterdiep.

Appingedam was home to the "Appingedammer Bronsmotorenfabriek" that produced large ship's engines for the shipyards in the area.

External links

* [http://www.appingedam.nl Official website]
* [http://www.appingedam-on-top.nl Toerist, historical and cultural information, fotos]