- Leerdam
Infobox Settlement
official_name = Leerdam
flag_size = 120x100px
image_shield = Wapen-Leerdam2.gif
shield_size = 120x100px
mapsize = 280px
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name =Netherlands
subdivision_type1 = Province
subdivision_name1 =South Holland
area_footnotes = (2006)
area_total_km2 = 34.32
area_land_km2 = 33.79
area_water_km2 = 0.53
population_as_of =1 January ,2007
population_note = Source: CBS, [http://statline.cbs.nl/ Statline] .
settlement_type = Municipality
population_total = 20682
population_density_km2 = 612
timezone = CET
utc_offset = +1
timezone_DST = CEST
utc_offset_DST = +2
latd = 51.90
latNS = N
longd = 5.08
longEW = E
website = [http://www.leerdam.nl www.leerdam.nl].
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 andOosterwijk .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 Almshouses, now a museum), the remaining and restored city walls on the "Zuidwal" and the "Oude Raadhuis" (Old City Hall).
Glass industry
From the 18th century the town culture was strongly influenced by the
glass industry and thetimber industry . The current glass industry is internationally as known as "Royal Leerdam " and more particularly in respect of designerglass orglass art "Royal Leerdam Crystal ".Leerdam is withRoyal Leerdam Crystal , theNational Glassmuseum , theGlass 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
glassblower s work in the [http://www.glascentrumleerdam.nl/ Glass Centre] in Leerdam, which is open to the public.Public transportation
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.
Born in Leerdam
*
Manon van Rooijen (*1982), Dutch freestyle swimmerExternal links
* [http://www.leerdam.nl Official Website]
* [http://www.hofjevanaerden.nl/ Museum Hofje van Mevrouw Van Aerden]
* [http://www.plattegronden.nl/gemeenteleerdam/index.html Map]
* [http://www.rootzleerdam.nl Youth-center Rootz]
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