Editing Vianen (section)

== The city of Vianen ==
[[File:Vianen.Lekpoort.jpg|thumb|left|130px|City gate (15th century)]]
Vianen received [[City rights in the Low Countries|city rights]] in 1337. Vianen thrived under the counts of Brederode, who acquired its lordship through marriage early in the 15th century. It formed a self-proclaimed sovereign seignory till 1795, including Vianen, Lexmond, Hei- en Boeicop and Meerkerk. During the Middle Ages, as a "free city," Vianen could be a haven for felons and escaped serfs. Of the three castles built during the town's history, [[Batestein Castle]] was said to be one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. Its only remnants are a 17th-century brick gate and water-pump. Remnants of the old city wall are visible girdling parts of the old downtown.

Vianen celebrates its city rights every year in October with a  traditional horse market. Besides the horses there are also other activities on this day, such as a fair and [[market (place)|market]] and traditional Dutch games.