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Holwert
Village in Friesland, Netherlands From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Holwert is a village in Noardeast-Fryslân municipality in the northern Netherlands, in the province of Friesland. It had a population of around 1,607 in January 2017.[3] Before 2019, the village was part of the Dongeradeel municipality.[4]
![]() | You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Western Frisian. (September 2024) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
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The ferry to the island of Ameland departs from Holwert. Wadloopcentrum Fryslân in Holwert is a centre for the training of wadlopen guides and the preservation of the sport. There are two windmills in Holwert, De Hoop and Miedenmolen.
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History
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The village was first mentioned in early-11th century as Holeuurt, and means "hollow terp".[5] Holwert developed as a terp (artificial living mound) village several centuries before Christ in a radial shape. The original terp was designated for the church, and in the 8th or 9th century, a long stretched out terp was created for trade and residential houses. In the 11th or 12th century, a dike was built along the Wadden Sea coast, however Holwert remained outside the dike until 1580.[6]
The tower of the Dutch Reformed church dates from the 13th century. The spire has probably been added in 1661. In 1776, the old church was demolished, and an L-shaped church was built in its place.[6] In 1840, Holwert was home to 1,741 people.[4]
In 1872, a dam was privately constructed from Holwert to the island of Ameland across the Wadden Sea, and on 9 June, it was possible to walk to Ameland. The dam required a lot of maintenance. In October 1881, a storm created a hole in the dike, and two more holes were created in April 1882. In 1888, an investment of ƒ 1.2 million was needed to strengthen and repair the dam, and a loan was asked from the government, however the Dutch parliament voted against the proposal.[7] A part of the dam still exists. The ferry to Ameland leaves on the end of the remaining dam.[8]
Holwert is one of the starting points for wadlopen (mudflat hiking). At low tide, it is possible to walk to the island of Ameland.[9] Mudflat hiking is potentially dangerous, and is only allowed under the supervision of a licensed guide.[10]
The village's official name was changed from Holwerd to Holwert in 2023.[11][12]
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Transportation
Holwert had a station on the North Friesland Railway, which opened in 1901 and closed to passengers in 1940.[13] The ferry to Ameland departs from Holwert on the end of the dam.[8]
Notable people
- Hans Willem van Aylva (c. 1633–1691, admiral[14]
- Theo Hiddema (born 1944), lawyer and politician[15]
- Johannes Phocylides Holwarda (1618–1651), astronomer, physician, and philosopher[16]
- Albertina Soepboer (born 1969), writer[17]
Gallery
- Ferry
- De Hoop
- Street view
See also
References
External links
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