Venlo

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Venlo is a municipality and a city in the southeastern Netherlands. It is situated in the province 'Limburg'.

On January 1, 2003, the municipalities of Tegelen and Belfeld were added to that of Venlo. Tegelen was originally part of the Duchy of Jülich, whereas Venlo has a past in the Duchy of Guelders.

1 Population centres
2 The city of Venlo
3 External links

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Population centres

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The city of Venlo

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History of the city

Its history going back to Roman times. Venlo developed into an important trade post on the river Meuse and a Hanseatic member. It received city rights in 1343.

Because of the strategic importance the city was besieged several times.

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Venlo in the 2nd World War

Due to the fact that Venlo had both a road and a rail bridge over the River Meuse (Maas) the city was severely damaged during several bomb raids on those bridges. The allied forces needed 13 attempts to destroy the bridges. About 300 people were killed due to those raids. The raids also cost Venlo a major part of its Historical buildings. However, some medieval buildings, such as the city hall and the 'Römer' house, survived the war.

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Culture

Theatre "De Maaspoort"
Museum "Limburgs Museum" and "Museum Van Bommel - Van Dam"
Major annual cultural events
- Carnaval called "Vastelaovend" in February/March (6 weeks before Easter).
- Summer park festivities called "Zomerparkfeest" in August held in and around the main park of Venlo, a 4 days podium for a broad audience, including live music, film, dance, art etc.

In 2003 Venlo was awarded the title "Greenest city of Europe".

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