Product Code Database
Groenlo () is a city in the municipality of Oost Gelre, situated in the part of the Netherlands, on the Germany border, within a region in the province of Gelderland called the Achterhoek (literally: "back corner"). Groenlo was a municipality until 1 January 2005, when it merged with Lichtenvoorde. Until 19 May 2006 Groenlo was the official name of Oost Gelre. As of 1 January 2006 Groenlo, including its hamlet Zwolle, counted a population of 10,067. Groenlo is known locally and historically as Grolle, Groll or Grol.
Today, Groenlo is known primarily for its beer brewery Grolsch (literal meaning: "from Grol"), which was in business since 1615, but has been closed in 2004 when it moved to Boekelo. Grolsch produces many specialty (including beers for each season) and its beer is exported all over the world. Groenlo's military history is less well known today.
Since 1406, Groenlo has been part of the bishopric of Münster. The city was an important trade center along the Germany–Netherlands trade route, which resulted in a rich variety of Dutch guilds. It became a strong fortification during the 16th and 17th century. The stronghold was repeatedly siege during the Eighty Years' War. The city still has a defensively shaped canal and (the remains of) Bastion stemming from this era.
In 1597 the city was conquered by Maurice of Nassau. In 1606 it was reconquered by Spain troops led by Spinola. In 1627 Groenlo was besieged and conquered by Frederik Hendrik, one of Groenlo's most important historical events. This happening still has its effects in present-day in the form of street names and the names of establishments in the city. Two restaurants in its historical center are appropriately named Frederik Hendrik and "Het Belegh van Grol" (The Siege of Grol). The of the Eighty Years' War are re-enacted regularly, drawing sizable crowds. As part of wider tourism attraction plan, some of Groenlo's old Bastion have been under restoration in 2007, causing some controversy making local and even national television, the reason being a large number of large trees that had to be cut down for the plan. Tourism is of major importance to Groenlo, with over 3500 tourists spending the night locally at given times.
Groenlo has been under Spain control for a considerable time during its violent history, which has left its marks. The majority of the local population is of Catholicism persuasion, an exception (together with Lichtenvoorde) in the mainly protestantism region. This has resulted in several Catholic traditions being celebrated locally, such as Carnival and "Kermis", as well as a relatively large number of establishment and festival.
== Gallery ==
|
|
