- Groenlo
Infobox Settlement
official_name = Groenlo
image_size =
image_caption = Flag of Groenlo
flag_size = 120x100px
image_shield = Groenlo_wapen.png
shield_size = 120x100px
mapsize =
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name =Netherlands
subdivision_type1 = Province
subdivision_name1 =Gelderland
leader_name =
leader_party =
area_footnotes = (2006)
area_total_km2 = 9.41
area_land_km2 =
area_water_km2 =
population_as_of =1 January ,2007
population_note =
settlement_type = City
population_total = 10062
population_density_km2 = 1069
population_metro =
latd=52 |latm=2|lats=28 |latNS=N
longd=6 |longm=37 |longs=2 |longEW=E
pushpin_
pushpin_label_position =
pushpin_map_caption =Location within the Netherlands
pushpin_mapsize =
timezone = CET
utc_offset = +1
timezone_DST = CEST
utc_offset_DST = +2
website = [http://www.groenlo.nl www.groenlo.nl] . Until May 19 2006 Groenlo was the official name of Oost Gelre. As of the first of January 2006 Groenlo, including its hamlet Zwolle, counted a population of 10.067. Groenlo is known locally and historically as Grolle, Groll or Grol.Today, Groenlo is known primarily for its beer
brewery Grolsch (literal meaning: 'from Grol'), which was in business since 1615, but has been closed in 2004 when it moved toBoekelo .Grolsch produces many specialtybeer s (including beers for eachseason ) and its beer is exported all over the world. Groenlo'smilitary history is less well known today.History
Groenlo originates from the beginning of the 7th century. The name Groenlo refers to a green wood that lay in the neighbourhood ("groen" means
green , "lo" meansforest ), hence the old shield of Groenlo, a green tree. Groenlo became aGuelders enclave ofBorculo . On December 2, 1277, it receivedcity rights fromlandgrave Reinoud I ofZutphen . There were 6 councilors, four of which werealdermen and twomayor s. The judicial archive of Groenlo is very incomplete.Since 1406, Groenlo has been part of the
bishopric of Münster . The city was an important trade center along the German-Dutchtrade route , which resulted in a rich variety ofguild s. It became a strongstronghold during the 16th and 17th century. The stronghold was repeatedly besieged during theEighty Years' War . The city still has a defensively shaped Gracht (canal) and (the remains of)bulwark s stemming from this era.In 1597 the city was conquered byMaurice of Nassau . In 1606 it was reconquered by Spanish troops led by Spinola. In 1627 Groenlo was besieged and conquered byFrederik Hendrik , one of Groenlo's most important historical events. This happening still has its effects in present day in the form of street names and the names of establishments in the city. Two restaurants in its historical center are appropriately namedFrederik Hendrik and "Het Belegh van Grol" (TheSiege of Grol ). Thebattle s of the Eighty Years' War are re-enacted regularly, drawing sizable crowds. As part of wider tourist attraction plan, some of Groenlo's oldbulwark s have been under restoration in 2007, causing some controversy making local and even nationalTV , the reason being a large number of large trees that had to be cut down for the plan. Tourism is of major importance to Groenlo, with over 3500 tourists spending the night locally at given times.Groenlo has been under Spanish control for a considerable time during its violent history, which has left its marks. The majority of the local population is of Catholic persuasion, an exception (together with Lichtenvoorde) in the mainly protestant region. This has resulted in several catholic traditions being celebrated locally, such as Carnaval and "Kermis", as well as a relatively large number of
license d establishment and festivities.
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