Venlo is a municipality and a city in the southeastern Netherlands.

On January 1, 2003, the municipalities of Tegelen and Belfeld were added to that of Venlo. The new combination houses fairly large cultural differences. Tegelen was originally part of the Duchy of Gulik , whereas Venlo has a past in the Duchy of Guelders.

Population centres

• Belfeld
• Blerick
• Boekend
• Hout-Blerick
• Steyl
• Tegelen
• 't Ven
• Venlo

The city of Venlo

History of the city

Its history going back to Roman times, Venlo was as an important trade post on the river Meuse and a Hanseatic member. It received city rights in 1272.

Venlo in the 2nd World War

Due to the fact that Venlo had two bridges 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.

Culture

• Theatre "De Maaspoort"
• 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".

External links

• Official Website
• Website of Theatre De Maaspoort
• Website carnaval organisation Venlo
• Website carnaval organisation Blerick
• Website zomerparkfeest