Giessen is a village in the Dutch province of North Brabant. It is located in the municipality of Altena, about 7 km southeast of Gorinchem.
Giessen | |
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Village | |
![]() Entrance of Giessen | |
![]() Coat of arms | |
Coordinates: 51°47′19″N 5°1′58″E | |
Country | Netherlands |
Province | North Brabant |
Municipality | Altena |
Area | |
• Total | 5.46 km2 (2.11 sq mi) |
Elevation | 1.7 m (5.6 ft) |
Population (2021)[1] | |
• Total | 1,645 |
• Density | 300/km2 (780/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
Postal code | 4283[1] |
Dialing code | 0183 |
The village was first mentioned in 1178 as Giscen. It is named after a river, however the etymology is unclear.[3] Giessen developed in the Middle Ages along the Afgedamde Maas.[4]
The Dutch Reformed church dates was built on a terp (artificial living hill). It was constructed in the 14th century. In 1755, the tower collapsed due to frequently flooding. The church was enlarged in 1856.[4][5]
Giessen was home to 360 people in 1840.[5] Giessen was a separate municipality until 1973, when it became a part of the former municipality of Woudrichem.[6] Giessen nowadays forms a single urban area with Rijswijk.[4]
Giessen is part of the New Dutch Water Line. Fort Giessen has been preserved, and was constructed between 1878 and 1881.[4]
In 2013 Giessen Castle was rediscovered in the village.[5] There are no visible traces of this castle, except for a small monument that marks its location.
Populated places in the municipality of Altena | |
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Towns |
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Villages |
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Hamlets |
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List of cities, towns and villages in North Brabant |
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