Loenen aan de Vecht

History

The village was first mentioned in 953 as Lona, and is probably the name of a waterway. In 1978, it was officially named Loenen aan de Vecht to distinguish from the other villages named Loenen. Loenen developed along the river Vecht. was built next to the village in the 13th century. The castle was destroyed in 1296 after some of the murderers of Floris V, Count of Holland sought shelter in the castle. The area was confiscated by Holland and became an enclave within Utrecht. In 1354, the castle was rebuilt. In 1672, it was destroyed by the French. In 1710, an estate was built at the site, but demolished in 1837. The Dutch Reformed Church probably dates from the 13th century. The tower dates from the 16th century. In 1945, the church was severely damaged by fire, and restored in 1950. There are many large estates near Loenen built in the 17th century by Amsterdam merchants.