Vianen

Vianen (Dutch pronunciation: [viˈjaːnə(n)]) is a city and a former municipality in the central Netherlands, in the province of Utrecht. It is located south of the Lek River. Before 2002 it was part of the province of South Holland. Vianen is bordered by two major motorways leading to Utrecht: the A2 (Amsterdam-Maastricht) on its west, and the A27 (Breda-Almere) just east of the town. Both roads can be notoriously congested near Vianen during peak commute hours. The municipality was merged with the municipalities of Leerdam and Zederik on January 1, 2019. The name of the new municipality is Vijfheerenlanden which is a part of the province Utrecht.

For other uses, see Vianen (disambiguation).
Vianen
City and former municipality
Vianen town centre
Flag
Coat of arms
Location of the former municipality in Utrecht
Coordinates: 52°0′N 5°6′E
CountryNetherlands
ProvinceUtrecht
MunicipalityVijfheerenlanden
Merged2019
Area
 • Total42.39 km2 (16.37 sq mi)
 • Land39.45 km2 (15.23 sq mi)
 • Water2.94 km2 (1.14 sq mi)
Population
 (November, 2018)
 • Total20 423
 Source: CBS, Statline.
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postcode
4130–4133
Area code0347
Websitewww.vianen.nl

The city of Vianen
City gate (15th century)

Vianen received city rights in 1337. Vianen thrived under the counts of Brederode, who acquired its lordship through marriage early in the 15th century. It formed a self-proclaimed sovereign seignory till 1795, including Vianen, Lexmond, Hei- en Boeicop and Meerkerk. During the Middle Ages, as a "free city," Vianen could be a haven for felons and escaped serfs. Of the three castles built during the town's history, Castle Batestein was said to be one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. Its only remnants are a 17th-century brick gate and water-pump. Remnants of the old city wall are visible girdling parts of the old downtown.

Vianen celebrates its city rights every year in October with a horse-market. Besides the horses there are also other activities on this day, such as a fair and market and traditional Dutch games.

Notable residents

References
  1. Barnes, Mike. "Joaquin Martinez, a Warrior in Film and TV Westerns, Dies at 81". The Hollywood Reporter. 2012-01-26. Retrieved 2011-01-28.
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