The municipality Leeuwarden (population as of January 1, 2003: 90,516) also comprises a number of smaller towns surrounding the city: Goutum, Hempens, Lekkum, Miedum, Snakkerburen, Swichum, Teerns, Wirdum and Wytgaard.
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2 Sights 3 Education 4 Sports 5 Transport 6 External Links |
The city acquired city rights in 1435, but the area has been populated since the 10th century. Situated along the Middelzee it was an important trade centre, but it lost importance after the waterway fell fell dry in the 13th century. However, Leeuwarden remained one of the most important cities in the country until the mid-17th century. At present, the city's regional influence is still big.
Famous natives of Leeuwarden include stadtholder William IV of Orange, graphical artist M.C. Escher and exotic dancer and convicted spy Mata Hari.
Well-known buildings in the city centre include the Kanselarij (the former chancellary), the Waag (old trade centre of the city), and the leaning tower Oldehove.
Leeuwarden is also the site of the country's largest cattle market, and on Ascension Day, the largest flower market of the Netherlands is held here.
Leeuwarden has a number of HBO-level (college) institutions, include the Van Hall Instituut and the Noordelijke Hogeschool. Although the city has no university, several dependencies are located here, including one from the Universiteit Twente.
Leeuwarden is also the start and finish location of the famous Elfstedentocht, a 200 km long speed skating race held irregularly.
The city's local football club, Cambuur plays in the 1st Division of the professional Dutch football. Itīs home matches are played in Cambuurstadion, which was openend in 1995.
Train routes with starting number of the train number series:
History
Sights
Education
Sports
Transport
External Links