Nijmegen is the biggest city in the Netherlands, and arguably, the older city in the whole country. Located in the east of Netherlands, it sits close to the German border. One of the things you’ll notice is the young population, and that’s because of the many schools and universities in the city.
History of Nijmegen
The earliest mention of Nijmegen is during the 1st Century BC. Due to its excellent location to keep them safe as hills surround the city, the Romans see it as a good spot to camp. It was in 98 AD when the Romans granted it city rights.
Just like the many cities in the Netherlands, Nijmegen was passed on by several kingdoms. Moreover, because of its location, it was fortified heavily for years, which was only taken down in 1874.
It may be difficult to believe that the peaceful city has gone through a lot of war and violence over the centuries. In fact, it was the focal point of aggression during the WWII, and in 1940, American bombers actually accidentally bombed Nijmegen, confusing it for the German city of Kleve.
Amid the war and violence that it went through, the city remained standing and is now a jewel of the Netherlands’ history.
Education
As mentioned, the city is home to many universities and schools. For one, The Radboud University of Nijmegen was the first Catholic school in the country. Besides that, there are many intermediate and secondary schools in the city.
Today, the city is vibrant, filled with educational institutions, museums, and a lot of other activities that you can enjoy. And just like the cities in the country, the architecture here will amaze you and some will take you back in time.
When you visit Nijmegen, you will definitely feel right at home.
