Editing Rhenen (section)

== History ==

=== Before 1900 ===
Rhenen received [[City rights in the Netherlands|city rights]] probably between 1256 and 1258.<ref>Kolman C., ''et al''. (1996). ''Monumenten in Nederland: Utrecht''. Zwolle: Waanders Uitgevers. {{ISBN|90-400-9757-7}}.</ref><ref>Ph. J. van Dael, 'Over het Rhenense stadsrecht en het Rhenense (burger)zegel', in Oud Rhenen, 2002 no. 2, p. 5-38.</ref> In 1346, the [[Prince-Bishopric of Utrecht|bishop of Utrecht]] ordered the construction of a defensive wall around the city, which was important because it lay near the border with [[Guelders]]. Although for some time the town collected toll from ships on the Rhine, it has never had a harbour. The three city gates were demolished in 1840. Small fragments of the wall remain.

The town is also famous for the [[Cunerakerk (Rhenen)|Cunera Church]], parts of which date back to the 15th century. Containing the relics of [[Saint Cunera]], it attracted many pilgrims. Legend has it that Cunera was buried on a nearby hill now called the Cuneraheuvel. The church's tower was built between 1492 and 1531.

Between 1630 and 1631, the [[Koningshuis]] palace was constructed at Rhenen for the ousted [[Frederick V, Elector Palatine|Frederick V]]. It was demolished in 1812.

=== World War II ===
Part of the center of Rhenen, which was located near the defensive Grebbelinie ([[Grebbe line]]), was destroyed during the German attack on the Netherlands in May 1940. Part of the reconstruction took place during the war. In 1945, the town was damaged again during the liberation of the country from German occupation.

Many or all of the Dutch soldiers who were killed by the Germans near Rhenen lie buried at the ''Erebegraafplaats'' (Cemetery of Honor), located along the Grebbeweg (N 225) near the top of the Grebbeberg. Across the road is an important war monument with a poem by [[J.C. Bloem]].

In 2008 Rhenen celebrated its 750th [[anniversary]].