The City of Nijmegen

RiMUN is traditionally held at the Radboud University Nijmegen. The Radboud University Nijmegen is one of the leading academic communities in the Netherlands. Established in 1923 and situated in the oldest city of The Netherlands, it has nine faculties and enrolls over 17.500 students.

Nijmegen is situated on the banks of the Waal, a branch of the Rhine in the region of the ‘Great Rivers’, and a mere 10 kilometers from the German border. Of Roman origin (its name derives from 'Noviomagus' meaning 'new market') the city celebrated its 2000th anniversary in 2005. This makes Nijmegen the oldest city in the Netherlands. The Great Rivers marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, and no doubt the Romans settled here because of the splendid strategic view of enemy territory across the river. For similarly strategic reasons, subsequent kings and other rulers chose Nijmegen as their place of residence.

Until a century ago, Nijmegen was a fortified town, its surroundings the scene of many fierce battles. However, in 1879 the old city defenses were torn down, as they posed an increasing obstacle to the city's prosperity. A period of spectacular growth followed, and within a few decades the railway bridge across the Waal was constructed, and gas, electricity and water mains were installed in the city.

The Second World War is a black page in Nijmegen's history. On February 22, 1944, allied forces bombed the city by mistake, killing 800 people. A few months later, Nijmegen was liberated following the U.S. airborne landings of ‘Operation Market Garden’, which freed the southern part of the Netherlands on September 17, 1944. Badly damaged in the war, much was done to rebuild the city in the post-war period and a new city centre arose in which the remaining monuments of Nijmegen’s rich history occupy a special position. The 'Valkhof', once the site of Charlemagne's castle is now the highest point of the city overlooking the river. From this vantage point, the typically Dutch polder landscape and rolling hills provide a beautiful panorama.

More information about the history of Nijmegen
> The oldest city in the Netherlands
> Historical photographs
> Virtual Tour (in Dutch)