Franeker

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Franeker (West Frisian: Frjentsjer) is one of the eleven cities of Friesland and capital of the municipality of Franekeradeel. It is located about 20 km west of Leeuwarden on the Van Harinxma Canal. As of 1 January 2006, it had 12,996 inhabitants. The city is most famous for the planetarium, built by Eise Eisinga in his own living room, and Frisk Place.

[edit] Background

Franeker was founded around 800 as a Carolingian stronghold. The name probably derives from Froon-acker, meaning "country of the king"; the oldest street in the city is still called Froonacker. Beginning around the 11th century, Franeker developed into the administrative center Westergoa.

Franeker received city rights in 1374. In the 15th century, Albert, Duke of Saxony established himself in Franeker.

From 1585 to 1811, the city housed the University of Franeker, which was the second oldest university of the Netherlands.

The Krystkongres (Christmas Congress), usually held in Franeker, is the annually held congress for Frisian students living in Dutch student towns.

[edit] Sports

Since 1852 Franeker is the home of the PC. The PC is the most important Frisian handball tournament and worlds' oldest regulated sports tournament.

Being one of the Frisian cities, Franeker is also on the route of the Elfstedentocht, an endurance skating event which is occasionally being held if the weather is right.

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Municipalities of Friesland (Fryslân) Province