Appingedam

Appingedam
—  Municipality  —
Flag Coat of arms
Coordinates: 53°19′N 6°52′E
Country	Netherlands
Province	Groningen
Area(2006)
• Total	24.62 km2 (9.5 sq mi)
• Land	23.84 km2 (9.2 sq mi)
• Water	0.78 km2 (0.3 sq mi)
Population (1 January 2007)
• Total	12,190
• Density	511/km2 (1,323.5/sq mi)
	Source: CBS, Statline.
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)

The municipality of Appingedam around 1866 (Atlas of the province of Groningen 1865-1870)

Appingedam ( pronunciation , Gronings: n Daam) is a municipality and a city in the northeastern Netherlands.

Population centres

Appingedam, Garreweer, Jukwerd, Laskwerd, Marsum, Oling, Opwierde, Solwerd, Tjamsweer.

Transportation

Appingedam's railway station is Appingedam railway station.

Appingedam

Little is known about the exact age and origin of the name of Appingedam. It came into existence on the banks of the Delf, the present Damsterdiep, around 1200. The name originates from a dam built in the Appe or Apt.

In 1327 Appingedam received city rights from the free Frisians of the Upstalboom near the East Frisian city of Aurich. Appingedam and Aurich still have friendly liaisons via a partnership called the Partnerschaft or Town's bond. Appingedam is located in the region Fivelingo, which in the Middle Ages was a part of Frisia.

In the Late Middle Ages, Appingedam, being a seaport, was an important trading competitor to Groningen. When Groningen received the staple right, Appingedam rapidly lost its trading position. Later on Delfzijl outstripped Appingedam with its newer and bigger seaport.

The hanging kitchens over the Damsterdiep

Nowadays Appingedam still looks indispensable as a small city. Many original medieval premises can be found in the centre. The most famous sight is the hanging kitchens above the Damsterdiep.

Appingedam was home to the Appingedammer Bronsmotorenfabriek that produced large ship's engines for the shipyards in the area.

External links

• Official website
• Tourist, historical and cultural information, photos