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 made up of a historic town centre that dates back to the medieval period and was once surrounded by a defensive wall (parts of which still stand today) and moat, as well as more extensive modern housing developments to the east, south and southwest and an industrial and commercial area. Vianen is intersected by two major motorways leading to the city of Utrecht: the A2 (Amsterdam-Maastricht) and the A27 (Breda-Almere). The municipality was merged with the municipalities of Leerdam and Zederik on 1 January 2019. The name of the new municipality is Vijfheerenlanden which is part of the Utrecht province.

Vianen
City and former municipality
Vianen town centre
Vianen town centre
Flag of Vianen
Coat of arms of Vianen
Highlighted position of Vianen in a municipal map of Utrecht
Location of the former municipality in Utrecht
Coordinates: 52°0′N 5°6′E / 52.000°N 5.100°E / 52.000; 5.100
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

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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, Batestein Castle 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 traditional 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

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References

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