Willich
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Willich | |
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Country | Germany |
State | North Rhine-Westphalia |
Administrative region | Düsseldorf |
District | Viersen |
Population | 52,712 (2005) |
Area | 67.76 km² |
Population density | 778 /km² |
Elevation | 35-41 m |
Coordinates | 51°15′ N 6°32′ E |
Postal code | 47877 |
Area code | 02154, 02156 |
Licence plate code | VIE |
Mayor | Josef Heyes (CDU) |
Website | stadt-willich.de |
Willich is a town in western North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is located in the district of Viersen near the cities Düsseldorf, Mönchengladbach and Krefeld, about 30 kilometres from the border with the Netherlands. The population is about 52,000 (in 2004).
The city was founded in 1970 out of the formerly independent villages of Willich, Anrath, Schiefbahn and Neersen. But the villages are much older. Willich was mentioned for the first time in the 12th century.
The most famous building is "Schloss Neersen". The castle goes back to the 13th century and was heavily rebuilt in the 17th century. It now houses the town council offices. During summer an open air theatre is held in the grounds. A moderately well-known pilgimage destination is the 17th century "Klein-Jerusalem" wayside chapel.
A lot of international companies, especially from the Far East, have their European or German headquarters in the town.
The Bundesautobahn 44 and Bundesautobahn 52 motorways join together within the municipal area of Willich.
[edit] External links
Brüggen | Grefrath | Kempen | Nettetal | Niederkrüchten | Schwalmtal | Tönisvorst | Viersen | Willich |