Leerdam, Glass production city in South Holland, Netherlands
Leerdam is a city in South Holland that developed along the Linge, a small river running through its center. The waterway creates natural boundaries between the built areas and surrounding meadows and green spaces.
The town received its municipal rights in 1407 and later gained importance through its connection to the House of Orange-Nassau. This link helped it maintain significance as a regional center through the following centuries.
Glassblowing traditions shaped the identity of this place for centuries, and visitors can watch artisans at work in studios throughout the city. The craftsmanship remains visible in architecture and local pride, connecting past skills to present-day life.
The city has direct train connections to Utrecht and Geldermalsen, with the main station located close to museums and glass studios. Most cultural sites and workshops are within walking distance of each other.
A bastion at Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town bears this city's name, marking a distant echo of Dutch colonial expansion. Few visitors to either place realize the connection between them.
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