Nijmegen the Oldest City

Nijmegen, housing about 150.000 citizens, is the oldest city in The Netherlands and was already of some importance in the Roman era, when a fortress occupied this site. Still, its main monument, the largely demolished Valkhof, is medieval. The Carolingian Chapel was built after Charlemagne’s Palatine Chapel in Aachen (Germany) as a symbol of the importance of this city as one of the principal seats of the administration of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1155 the complex was altered by Barbarossa. Today there’s a debate going whether or not to (partly) rebuild the ruins. Other sites are the weighing house and St. Stephen's church. This city on the Waal is a regional centre. It has a small but lively center with lots of shops.

At night the students make it their own town. Every summer there is a four days long walking event called 'De Vierdaagse Wandelmarsen Nijmegen'. This event is supported by another event, the 'Vierdaagse-feesten' (Vierdaagse-party), which is one of the largest open-air (musical/funfare) events in the Netherlands. It usually does not only attract local artists, but also well known international artists (and entrance is free!).

Near the end of World War II, Nijmegen was bombed by the allies by mistake: After the war Nijmegen has been rebuilt, however, in a new, modern form, resulting in a somewhat uncharacteristic citycenter. There are just a few old buildings left, like 'de Waag' at market square, and St. Stephen's church. Nevertheless, Nijmegen still offers a very good atmosphere.

Should you wish a relaxing day, you could go for a walk in the Goffertpark. This park is in the geograpihical center of the city and also houses the local professional soccer club, NEC. In the near surroundings of Nijmegen, there are some beautiful villages like Berg en Dal and Groesbeek, which are good areas for going for a walk as well. Celebrating 2000 years as a city in 2005, Nijmegen history is long and storied. As the oldest city in the Netherlands and located just 10 km from Germany, the city gets its name from a word of Roman origin meaning "new market." Once the home to Charlemagne's castle, this beautiful location historically marked the northern frontier of Rome's empire.

The Roman Period

Because of the strategic location of the city overlooking both the Waal and Rhine valley, Nijmegen has long been a prime choice throughout time as the home to many kings and other rulers as their central residence. Starting as a Roman military camp in 1 B.C., the city grew and flourished under Roman control until in 1247 when it was used as collateral for a loan to the Count of Guelders and was ultimately lost when the loan remained unpaid. The city however continued to grow and flourish in trade and the arts because of its great location.

A Fortified City

From its beginnings, Nijmegen had been a fortified city and the scene of many large battles. In 1879, to make way for the city's increasing prosperity, the defenses of the old city were finally removed as they had become obsolete by that time and the city required more room for new growth. In the course of a few decades after the wall's removal, the city became equipped with gas, water and electrical mains and a bridge across the Waal river was completed.

World War II

By 1940, Nijimegen was under control of the German army, making it the fist Dutch city taken in World War II. Nijmegen was mistakenly hit in an attack by allied forces during World War II, killing over 800 residents of the city. The city was liberated a few months later in an operation that freed the southern Netherlands. A new city center was built and many resources were used in the coming years to rebuild the city which had been badly damaged.

The Modern City

Today there is little evidence from the buildings of the city that show Nijmegen's past. Any buildings that were not destroyed in the bombing of the city in 1944 were shelled in the follow-up that led to the liberation of the city or destroyed in the following decades to make way for more modern structures. There are a few remains throughout the city dating back as far as the 13th century that are great to explore during your trip to Nijmegen. (jacko_agun)