NIJMEGEN
Old city, young vibe TEXT: MAYA WITTERS | PHOTOS: MAX KNEEFEL
Nijmegen, huddled up against the German border, boasts a rich history that includes Roman settlers, merchant prowess and war tragedy. Today, it is one of the most vibrant cities in the Netherlands, where heritage meets pop music and history meets cultural innovation. To celebrate this unique melting pot, the city is launching a new Walk of the Town to help visitors and locals come together and experience everything Nijmegen has to offer. As the oldest city in the Netherlands, Nijmegen has survived since the first century, when ‘Noviomagus’ was found64 | Issue 76 | April/May 2020
ed by Roman troops. Through the Middle Ages the city became a vibrant centre of trade, and by the late 1800s the city literally burst at the seams as the walls were taken down to accommodate a growing population.
of the Netherlands’ most exciting cities, and today it is well worth a visit. Especially for those who want to avoid the large crowds and still discover many amazing sights, the city has plenty to offer.
World War II affected the city dramatically, being one of the first to be overtaken by the German forces and later heavily bombed, causing many historic gems to be lost. After the war, many of these were rebuilt and accompanied by monuments and commemorative spots to honour the lives lost during the war years. Nijmegen recovered to once again become one
To help visitors discover its rich history as well as all the modern hotspots Nijmegen boasts, the city is launching a unique initiative: Walk of the Town. This self-guided walking route will trace a path past cultural, gastronomical and historical highlights – quite literally, because the route will be indicated by a painted green line on the ground.
From Walk of the Town…