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Click on any of the following links to find out more about churches in cities and villages in Limburg: (Links in bold refer to pages showing a selection of churches in specific towns, villages or municipalities (these are marked "mun."), all others refer to descriptions of a single church only. For an overview of all churches in Limburg that are described on Archimon see the pictorial index.)
Altweerterheide |
The
current province of Limburg has a long history and has been permanently
inhabited for several thousands of years. During the Roman empire
settlements were founded that later became such cities as Maastricht
and Heerlen. In the 12th century the Duchy of Limburg covered part of
the south of the current province it was named after. For most of the
region's history it was divided by many masters. While the Duchy of
Brabant ruled parts in the south, much of the north belonged to Gelre.
After the 80-Years War the northern part remained in Spanish hands,
while the south became an enclave under the rule of the Republic. In
this area itself were several Spanish, later Austrian, and German
enclaves. In 1713 Prussia got a part of the north as well. Until in
1794 French troops invaded the province it consisted of 18
principalities. In 1798 France annexed the entire region. In 1815 it
became part of the newly founded Kingdom of the Netherlands. To
preserve the memory of the long vanished Duchy a new province was
founded with the name of Limburg. Already in 1839 the province was
divided between Belgium and the Netherlands. Large parts of what became
the Dutch province of Limburg had been part of Belgium from 1830 until
1839, including the city of Roermond. The involuntary incorporation in
the Netherlands was felt by the population as an occupation for a long
time. When in 1853 the diocese of Roermond was re-established it
covered the same territory as the province, which meant a great deal
for the unification of Limburg. In the final months of World War Two
the northern and central part of the province suffered from heavy
fighting. Germany annexed parts of the province for several months. Unlike people in most of the rest of the Netherlands, Limburgers have a strong sense of attachment to their province. Recently Limburgish was recognized as a seperate language. |
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