The historic centre of Appingedam (NL) Damsterdiep. Photo by Microtourism on Wikimedia

Top 10 Unknown Facts about Appingedam, Netherlands


 

Appingedam is a prominent city and former municipality on the Northeastern side of the Netherlands.

The year of establishment for Appingedam is not that clear, but it is thought to have been established and inhabited over a millennium ago.

Other than the exact year of the establishment of Appingedam, the exact origin of the base is little known. The city came into existence on the banks of the Delf, which is the present Damsterdiep.

Appingedam received city rights from the Frisians of the Upstalboom in 1327. The unique layout of the city is defined by the East-West canal known as Diep.

In the early centuries, Appingedam was a seaport and important trading competitor to Groningen. However, the popularity of Appingedam declined when Groningen received the staple right.

The seaport trade for Appingedam was completely outstripped by Delfzijl as it had a newer and bigger seaport. Appingedam turned out to be a historic and tourist attraction centre in recent days.

Original medieval buildings and premises can be found in Appingedam. The most popular sightings in Appingedam include the hanging kitchens above the Damsterdiep.

Initially, Appingedam was home to the Appingedammer Bronsmotorenfabriek which produced large ship engines. There were several shipyards in the area.

Below are the top 10 Unknown Facts about Appingedam, Netherlands:

1. The City was an Important Trade Competitor to Groningen

Appingedam is one of the earliest cities in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is known for their famous cities located near large water bodies.

Appingedam city also served as a seaport in the early centuries. It was a major and important trade competitor to Groningen which also served as a seaport.

However, the importance of Appingedam as a trading centre and seaport rapidly declined with the expansion of Groningen. Appingedam went out of the image when a newer and bigger seaport in Delfzijl was built.

2. Appingedam was Home to Ship’s Engines Producers

A Ship engine at a yard. Photo by AlfvanBeem on Wikimedia

The city of Appingedam served major roles during the early years due to the sea. It was a seaport through which trade was done.

Huge ships carrying cargo and people depended on this city. Appingedam was the home to the ship’s engine production.

The Appingedammer Bronsmotorenfabriek was the company that produced these engines. This industry prospered due to the presence of several shipyards

3. Women’s Cycling Stage Race was Held at Appingedam

Appingedam city has always maintained its importance in the current days. In 2012, the city hosted the women’s cycling stage race.

Appingedam hosted this event from the start to the finish of the first stage which was known as the Energiewacht Tour, this was the second edition. It began on 4th April and ended on 8th April 2012. The 3b stage of the 2013 Energiewacht Tour was also held at Appingedam city.

4. Several Prominent People in the World were from Appingedam

The historic centre of Appingedam (NL) is Dijkstraat. Photo by Microtourism on Wikimedia

It is not a huge surprise that several renowned people came from Appingedam. This city has produced great people in different professions.

Some of the renowned people from Appingedam include Jakob who was a classical scholar, Jan ten Brink a Dutch writer and Rudolf who was a professor of law at Leiden University. Other professionals who came from Appingedam include great sailors, biochemists and academics, classical organists and improvisers, retired rowers and a Dutch architect who was also a lecturer and urbanist.

5. Packing Houses for the Seaport in Appingedam were Converted into Residential Houses

There were several houses by the canals and sea route of Appingedam. These houses were important when Appingedam was still operating as a seaport.

Packing houses were constructed along the routes. However, after Appingedam lost its seaport significance, the packing houses were converted into residential buildings.

6. There are Magnificent Hanging Kitchens in the City

Hanging kitchens in Appingedam. Photo by Thijs NL at Dutch Wikipedia on Wikimedia

After the major fall in seaport trade in Appingedam, the packing houses were transformed into residential homes. However, these houses did not have enough space to build kitchens within.

The architects decided to extend the kitchens on the back side of the buildings. This is how the hanging kitchens of Appingedam came into existence.

The three hanging kitchens are located at the back of houses number 10, 12 and 14. They transformed into a tourist attraction sight beyond the Netherlands as visitors visit to see the amusing architectural designs.

7. Perfect Place Schildmeer in Appingedam

The Schildmeer connects Appingedam, Delfzijl and Groningen. The part of Schildmeer is a perfect nature reserve that tourists frequent in the summers and other seasons.

It is a perfect place for all forms of water sports. Sailing, kite surfing, wakeboarding and swimming are the perfect type of water sports people enjoy here.

The Schildmeer in Appingedam also has some docks and water walks ways which are brilliant in every season. This is an area to enjoy all forms of recreation.

8. The Town Hall of Appingedam was Built in Renaissance Style

Detail of the plaque with the coat of arms of Appingedam – a pelican feeding its young Appingedam. Photo by Bert van As on Wikimedia

Appingedam town hall is one of the smallest town halls in the Netherlands. It was built in 1630 and had several uses.

The town hall had an underground chamber where the weighing of animals was done before this was shifted to another place. The hall was built in a Renaissance style.

There is an open passage at the front and in a niche between the cross frames is a size statue of Lady Justice. Shells are incorporated between the bricks above window frames.

There is a facade which has a gate with a sculpted woman’s head with the coat of arms of Appingedam above. A pelican feeding its young one with its blood is also in between. This is one of the medieval buildings in Appingedam.

9. A Privately Owned Museum, Mohlmann in Appingedam

One of the most amazing places in Appingedam is the museum Mohlmann. This museum is privately owned for Dutch realistic and figurative art.

It was founded in 1998 in Venhuizen and relocated to its current location in 2008. Realistic painter Rob Mohlmann was the initiator of this museum.

There are no government subsidies received by the Museum Mohlmann. This piece of the museum is for Dutch contemporary visual art and collegial bond with other fellow artists.

10. Appingedam City has Low Population

A small local real estate agency in the Groninger city of Appingedam. Photo by Donald Trung Quoc Don on Wikimedia

Several small cities in the Netherlands are inhabited by quite some people. Appingedam city is one of the Netherlands cities with a low population.

The city has had a population of around twelve thousand since the last census. The low population has always made it a great tourist destination.

There are more undiscovered things about Appingedam city which are so amusing. Taking a visit to this tourist destination and exploring more can give the tourists a whole and clear view of this place.

 

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