Rhenen
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Template:Infobox Dutch municipality 3
Rhenen is a municipality and a city in the central Netherlands.
The municipality also includes the villages of Achterberg, Remmerden and part
of Elst.
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History
Before 1900
Rhenen received city rights in 1364. (Another source states that this occurred between 1230 and 1258Template:Ref.)
The town lies at a geographically interesting location, namely on the southernmost part of the chain of hills known as the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, where this meets the river Rhine. Because of this Rhenen has a unique character with pretty much elevation through town. Directly to the east of the built-up area lies the Grebbeberg, a hill the top of which lies at about 50 m.
In 1346, the bishop of Utrecht ordered the construction of a defensive wall around the city, which was important because it lay near the border with what is now the province of Gelderland. Although for some time the town collected toll from ships on the Rhine, it has never had a harbour. The three city gates were demolished in 1840. Small fragments of the wall remain.
The town is also famous for the Cunera Church, parts of which date back to the 15th century. Containing the relics of Saint Cunera, it attracted many pilgrims. Legend has it that Cunera was buried on a nearby hill now called the Cuneraheuvel. The church's tower was built between 1492 and 1531.
In 1621, a palace was constructed at Rhenen for the ousted Frederick V. It was demolished in 1812.
World War II
Part of the center of Rhenen, which was located near the defensive Grebbelinie (Grebbe Line), was destroyed during the German attack on the Netherlands in May 1940. Part of the reconstruction took place during the war. In 1945, the town was damaged again.
Many or all of the Dutch soldiers who were killed by the Germans near Rhenen lie buried at the Erebegraafplaats (Honorary Cemetery), located along the Grebbeweg (N 225) near the top of the Grebbeberg. Across the road is an important war monument with a poem by J.C. Bloem.
Miscellaneous information
The town is also widely known for its zoo. (See external links.)
References
- Template:Note Kolman C., et al. (1996). Monumenten in Nederland: Utrecht. Zwolle: Waanders Uitgevers. ISBN 90 400 9757 7.
External links
- Official Website (http://www.rhenen.nl)
- Map (http://www.plattegronden.nl/gemeenterhenen/)
- Ouwehands Dierenpark (http://www.ouwehand.nl) (Zoo)