Meerssen Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Meerssen

Meersje (Limburgish)

Geulle Castle

Flag	Coat of arms

Location in Limburg

Government

• Body

Municipal council

Area

• Total

27.64 km² (10.67 sq mi)

• Land

27.14 km² (10.48 sq mi)

• Water

0.50 km² (0.19 sq mi)

Elevation

57 m (187 ft)

Population

(May 2014)

• Total

19,170

• Density

706/km² (1,830/sq mi)

Demonym(s)

Meerssenaar

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postcode

6230–6243

Area code

043

Dutch Topographic map of Meerssen, June 2015

Meerssen is a town and a municipality located in the southeastern part of the Netherlands. It is part of the Limburg province. The town is known for its historical importance and charming atmosphere.

History of Meerssen
- The Treaty of Meerssen
- Royal Ownership in the 10th Century
Towns and Villages in Meerssen
Getting Around Meerssen
Meerssen's International Connections
- Douzelage: A European Partnership
- Sister Cities Around Europe
Famous People from Meerssen
Gallery
See also

History of Meerssen

The Treaty of Meerssen

A very important event happened in Meerssen in the year 870. The Treaty of Meerssen was signed here. This treaty was an agreement to divide the large Carolingian Empire. The empire was split between the surviving sons of Louis I. These sons were Charles II of the West Franks and Louis the German of the East Franks.

Royal Ownership in the 10th Century

Around the middle of the 900s, the land of Meerssen was owned by Queen Gerberga. She was the daughter of King Henry I. Queen Gerberga was married to Louis IV of France. In 968, she gave all her property in Meerssen to the abbey of Saint Remigius in Reims.

Towns and Villages in Meerssen

The municipality of Meerssen includes several smaller towns and villages. These are:

Bunde
Geulle
Meerssen (the main town)
Rothem
Ulestraten

Getting Around Meerssen

Meerssen has its own railway station. This makes it easy for people to travel to and from the town by train.

Basilica: Basiliek van het Heilig Sacrament, also known as the Sint-Bartholomeusbasiliek

Meerssen's International Connections

Douzelage: A European Partnership

Meerssen is a founding member of the Douzelage. This is a special partnership of 24 towns from across the European Union. It's like a big family of towns that work together. This active partnership started in 1991. They hold regular events, such as markets with products from different countries and fun festivals. They are also talking about adding three more towns to the group. These towns are Agros in Cyprus, Škofja Loka in Slovenia, and Tryavna in Bulgaria.

Sister Cities Around Europe

Here are the towns that are part of the Douzelage with Meerssen:

Altea, Spain - since 1991
Bad Kötzting, Germany - since 1991
Bellagio, Italy - since 1991
Bundoran, Ireland - since 1991
Granville, France - since 1991
Holstebro, Denmark - since 1991
Houffalize, Belgium - since 1991
Meerssen, Netherlands - since 1991
Niederanven, Luxembourg - since 1991
Preveza, Greece - since 1991
Sesimbra, Portugal - since 1991
Sherborne, United Kingdom - since 1991
Karkkila, Finland - since 1997
Oxelösund, Sweden - since 1998
Judenburg, Austria - since 1999
Chojna, Poland - since 2004
Kőszeg, Hungary - since 2004
Sigulda, Latvia - since 2004
Sušice, Czech Republic - since 2004
Türi, Estonia - since 2004
Zvolen, Slovakia - since 2007
Prienai, Lithuania - since 2008
Marsaskala, Malta - since 2009
Siret, Romania - since 2010
Tryavna, Bulgaria - since 2011

Famous People from Meerssen

Many interesting people have come from Meerssen and its nearby villages. Here are a few:

Charles Eyck (1897–1983) was a Dutch visual artist.
Hubert Levigne (1905–1989) was another Dutch artist.
Gerard Kockelmans (1925–1965) was a Dutch composer, conductor, and music teacher.
Jef Lahaye (1932–1990) was a professional racing cyclist from Bunde.
Maria van der Hoeven (born 1949) is a retired Dutch politician.
Erik Meijer (born 1969) is a retired Dutch footballer who played in many club games.
Kyara Stijns (born 1995) is a professional racing cyclist from Bunde.