Lidköping

Lidköping
Lidköping
	; Lidköping
	Coordinates: 58°30′N 13°11′E / 58.5°N 13.183°ECoordinates: 58°30′N 13°11′E / 58.5°N 13.183°E
Country	Sweden
Province	Västergötland
County	Västra Götaland County
Municipality	Lidköping Municipality
	Area
- Total	14.95 km2 (5.8 sq mi)
	Population (2005-12-31)
- Total	24,941
- Density	1,669/km2 (4,322.7/sq mi)
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
- Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)

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Lidköping is a locality and the seat of Lidköping Municipality in Västra Götaland County, Sweden with 24,941 inhabitants in 2005.^[1]

It is neatly situated on the southern shore of Lake Vänern and sometimes refers to itself as "Lidköping by Vänern", possibly to distinguish itself from Linköping near Sweden's east coast.

[edit] Geography

The town of Lidköping is divided by the stream Lidan, flowing through the central city. The right (eastern) side of it is called the old town, and the left side is known as the new town.

The municipality of Lidköping is together with its western neighbor Götene located on the Läckö-Kinnekulle peninsula. In association with several large local companies, they have a colloquial tourism company known as "Götene-Lidköping Vänern Turist AB".

[edit] History

Lidköping got its charter on July 21, 1446, and thus qualifies as one of the now defunct Cities of Sweden. The city arms are almost as old. The design has varied throughout the centuries, but has always depicted a seated bishop. It is disputed if it depicts an actual bishop, but was in the 20th century decided to be a depiction of the bishop Saint Nicholas.

Around 1650, the city was decided to be incorporated into the countship of Jakob De la Gardie. However, in 1655 the crown decided to ragain administration of the city. To make up the loss, De la Gardie was then given the right to found a new city on the western side of the river, starting 1670. In 1672 the foundations were laid, and the new city grew rather quickly. In 1683, both sides of the city Lidköping were declared unitifed by the Crown, who also reclaimed possession of them both.

Lidköping cirka 1700, from Suecia Antiqua et Hodierna

The old town burned down in 1849, and large part of the new town were also damaged. Following the fire, both towns were rebuilt according to a check pattern.

[edit] Symbol

Lidköping is working hard to market itself as "Lidköping by Vänern". In line with this quest, they are developing a profile plan, wherein they have established the use of a symbol depicting its location by Vänern. The symbol is used in all official context, and also on the road sign when entering Lidköping. [1]