Introduction to Deventer
Deventer (population 97.000) is the capital city of the Dutch province of Overijssel. It is located on the bank of the river IJssel and has a railway station on the important track that leads from Amsterdam to Berlin and Hamburg. Deventer honey cake (Deventer Koek) has a history of over 500 years, and is still produced and very popular in the Netherlands. The events in the famous film A Bridge Too Far take place in the Dutch city of Arnhem. However, the city center of Arnhem wad heavily damaged during World War II. Therefore A Bridge Too Far was mostly shot in Deventer because Deventer still has the larger part of its historical inner city.
History of Deventer
Although it’s not certain, Deventer was probably founded in about 768 AD by Lebuinus, a missionary from England. The village of Deventer was burnt down by the Vikings in 882. Between 1000 and 1500, Deventer developed into an important trade city because it had a large harbour at the river IJssel. But between 1500 and 1800, the amount of water flowing through the river IJssel decreased. And therefore Deventer lost its position as an important trade center. After 1800 Deventer became a significant place for industrial production. For example carpets, books, bicycles, carpets and machinery were produced in Deventer. But the industrial area of Deventer was badly damaged during World War II. Today Deventer is a modern city and home to ICT and publishing companies, a succesful tourist industry and several large annual events.
Places of interest in Deventer
- The old streets around the Bergkerk (Mountain Church). This part of the city is known as Bergkwartier (Mountain Quarter).
- The Lebuïnuskerk (St. Lebuin’s Church). It has remarkable paintings on its ceiling and the organ is very much refined. The tower of the church can be climbed during summer time and provides a beautiful panorama at the River IJssel.
- The Brink (old market square) with shops, cafes and houses dating back to as early as 1575. This is a great place to stroll around during summer or to go out at night. Also notable is the Bussink “Koekhuisje” (cake house), where one can buy the famous Deventer Koek. Every friday and saturday The Brink is home to typical Dutch markets.