The Oldest City in the Netherlands
Nijmegen, often called the oldest city in the Netherlands, has a history that stretches back over 2,000 years. Founded by the Romans as Noviomagus, it was a strategic military outpost along the Rhine. Today, the city’s ancient roots are still visible in its architecture, archaeological sites, and cultural DNA. But beyond its historical charm, Nijmegen’s past offers lessons on resilience—a theme that resonates deeply in today’s world of geopolitical tensions, refugee crises, and environmental challenges.
From Roman Stronghold to Medieval Powerhouse
The Romans weren’t the only ones who saw Nijmegen’s strategic value. By the Middle Ages, it had become a key trading hub under Charlemagne’s Holy Roman Empire. The Valkhof, a fortress built by the emperor, still stands as a reminder of this era. Yet, Nijmegen’s prosperity also made it a target. The city was sacked by Vikings in 880, a stark parallel to modern-day conflicts where economic centers become battlegrounds.
Nijmegen in the Shadow of War
Few cities in Europe have witnessed as much destruction and rebirth as Nijmegen. Its location near the German border made it a focal point during World War II, particularly during Operation Market Garden in 1944. The Allies’ failed attempt to secure key bridges led to devastating bombings, reducing much of the city to rubble.
The Legacy of Reconstruction
Post-war Nijmegen became a symbol of resilience. Like many European cities today facing reconstruction after conflicts (think of Mariupol in Ukraine), Nijmegen had to rebuild not just its buildings but its identity. The modernist architecture that replaced the old city center remains controversial—a debate mirrored in cities like Warsaw, where historical preservation clashes with urban development.
Migration and Cultural Shifts
Nijmegen’s history is also a story of migration. After WWII, the city welcomed thousands of displaced persons, including many from the Dutch East Indies (modern-day Indonesia). Today, nearly a quarter of Nijmegen’s population has a migration background, with significant communities from Turkey, Morocco, and Syria.
A Microcosm of Europe’s Refugee Debate
The city’s approach to integration offers insights into today’s heated debates on immigration. Nijmegen has been relatively successful in fostering multiculturalism, but tensions occasionally flare—echoing broader European struggles with far-right movements and social cohesion. The 2023 local elections saw gains for anti-immigration parties, a trend seen across the Netherlands and beyond.
Climate Change and the Waal River
Nijmegen’s relationship with the Waal River is a double-edged sword. The river brought trade and prosperity, but it also brought floods. In 1995, near-catastrophic flooding forced the evacuation of 250,000 people—a precursor to today’s climate-driven disasters.
The Room for the River Project
In response, Nijmegen pioneered the Room for the River program, an innovative flood management strategy that combines water control with urban development. By creating artificial floodplains and relocating dikes, the city reduced flood risks while adding parks and recreational spaces. This model is now studied worldwide, from Bangladesh to New Orleans, as cities grapple with rising sea levels and extreme weather.
Nijmegen Today: A Green and Radical Hub
Known for its left-leaning politics and vibrant student population, Nijmegen has embraced sustainability like few other Dutch cities. It was named the European Green Capital in 2018, thanks to its bike-friendly infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and urban farming initiatives.
The Battle Against Fossil Fuels
The city’s activism extends to global issues. In 2023, Nijmegen became the first Dutch city to divest from fossil fuels entirely—a bold move in a country still heavily reliant on natural gas. This stance has drawn both praise and criticism, reflecting the broader tension between economic stability and environmental urgency.
The Future of an Ancient City
As Nijmegen looks ahead, it faces challenges familiar to many historic cities: balancing growth with preservation, fostering unity in diversity, and preparing for a climate-altered future. Its past suggests it will meet these challenges with the same resilience that has defined it for two millennia.
Hot Country
Hot Region
- Utrecht history
- Zoetermeer history
- Zwolle history
- Leeuwarden history
- Haarlem history
- Eindhoven history
- Ede history
- Emmen history
- Dordrecht history
- Nijmegen history
- Breda history
- Enschede history
- 's-Hertogenbosch history
- Groningen history
- Hague history
- Middelburg history
- Lelystad history
- Leiden history
- Tilburg history
- Amsterdam history
- Almere history
- Assen history
- Apeldoorn history
- Arnhem history
- Amersfoort history
- Hoofddorp history
- Maastricht history
- Rotterdam history