"Roeffie's Nijmegen Page" a Nijmegen Travel Page by Roeffie

Nijmegen already existed in the Roman period as Noviomagus and is one of the oldest cities, if not the oldest city in the Netherlands. There is still a lot to see, but many old buildings were destroyed during the Second World War. It was a part of the corridor they used then to reach Arnhem, which actually was a bridge too far. The Netherlands were liberated in september 1944, at least the southern part. This operation was called Market Garden.

Just before that the historical heart of Nijmegen was roughly taken out of the town. On February 22, 1944, about half past one in the afternoon, Nijmegen was startled by a bombardment, executed by American bombers. Never in her 2000-year-old history had the town been so greatly damaged as at that time. Practically the whole of the inner city changed into a ruin within a few moments. About 800 people died in this bombardment. How this disaster could have happened is still not completely clear. Possibly, the Americans on their way back from the German Ruhr-area mistook Nijmegen for a German town.

Nijmegen celebrates its 2.000 years of existence this year in Roman times the city was called Noviomagus. That is also the name of a very interesting historical website of the city of Nijmegen, where Mr. Henk Kersten and other members of the Noviomagus Foundation give lots of info on this beautiful town also with english pages.

Very interesting is the history of the four days Nijmegen March on their page. Here is the link: Noviomagus

Several pictures on my Nijmegen Page are of his hand. I come in Nijmegen so often and each time I forget to take my camera with me!

Nijmegen is the closest big city to my hometown Druten.

Useful Link is:

Go Nijmegen

It's a beautiful town wellknown for its "vierdaagse". Each year 35000-40000 people from all over the world take part in this walking event. Where they walk 30, 40 or 50 km for four days.

Greetings Roeffie!!