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Nijmegen's rich cultural history goes back two thousand years, when the Romans settled there and Nijmegen grew into the largest city of the then Netherlands. A few centuries later, Emperor Charlemagne chose the Valkhof to build a palace there and it became one of the most important places of his empire. In the centuries that followed, many other princes, dukes and emperors also chose Nijmegen as their domicile. As a imperial city, Nijmegen fell under the direct authority of the emperor of the Roman-German Empire. As a result, the citizens of Nijmegen were among the most privileged in Europe.
Because of its strategic location, Nijmegen…
Nijmegen's rich cultural history goes back two thousand years, when the Romans settled there and Nijmegen grew into the largest city of the then Netherlands. A few centuries later, Emperor Charlemagne chose the Valkhof to build a palace there and it became one of the most important places of his empire. In the centuries that followed, many other princes, dukes and emperors also chose Nijmegen as their domicile. As a imperial city, Nijmegen fell under the direct authority of the emperor of the Roman-German Empire. As a result, the citizens of Nijmegen were among the most privileged in Europe.
Because of its strategic location, Nijmegen was often the focus of battle. The last time it was during World War II when the Allies accidentally bombed the city. Apart from hundreds of deaths, much of the city centre was wiped out. Thanks to successful reconstruction, Nijmegen was able to retain its cosy, lively character. The city exudes a southern and friendly atmosphere. If you have an eye for the past, you can enjoy the rich variety of cultural history that characterises Nijmegen.