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.