Wijk bij Duurstede

For navnet Wijk gives various explanations, such as that it could be traced back to the Roman vicus, or the Germanic wik which means "bend" or "inlet". The name part Duurstede can be traced back to the former trading post Dorestad, which name is at least partially of Celtic origin.

During the Roman period, there was a Roman castellum here on the Rhine, possibly Levefanum. The northern border (limes) of the Roman Empire also ran through Wijk bij Duurstede.

In the early Middle Ages, one of the most important trading places in Northwestern Europe lay here: Dorestad. Around 850, Dorestad fell due to attacks by the Vikings. This was the historical writing until quite recently. However, it is now seriously taken into account that natural and (church) political factors, along with shifting power relations, likely played a more important role. The bed of the Rhine may have shifted somewhat, the harbor would also begin to silt up at that time and furthermore, there was a rise in water levels. The decline of Dorestad meant prosperity for Tiel, Deventer, and later Utrecht.

Many finds have been made in and around Wijk bij Duurstede from these historical periods, which can be seen in Museum Dorestad.

Wijk bij Duurstede received city rights in 1300 from Gijsbrecht van Abcoude and was built next to a residential tower constructed in 1270 that would grow into the castle Duurstede. Probably shortly thereafter, to defend the city, an earthen rampart and moat were started, with partly the use of the old river beds for the moat. In the mid-14th century, the city was expanded to the east, and presumably, during the same period, the city was provided with a city wall that had city gates and fortification towers. The city wall and moat were renewed around 1445.

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