Romans, Charlemagne and Barbarossa

Roman City
Cities were often founded on the banks of rivers. In the case of Nijmegen, this was the river Waal. Because of its high location between hills and woods, the Romans considered it an ideal strategic location for an army camp. That is how Nijmegen became a garrison town.

The Romans used the Waal to ship in soldiers and goods. Soon tradesmen, innkeepers and other civilians followed, for there was always something to be earned in and around an army camp. This camp rapidly developed into a large settlement with about 5,000 inhabitants.

Carolingian city
In the Carolingian era, a wooden palace was built on the Valkhof, where Charlemagne would rest when travelling through his immense empire. Because of its favourable location, Nijmegen remained an important stopping place for ruling monarchs until the middle of the ninth century.

Around 1155, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa ordered his men to build a stone stronghold on the Valkhof. This became the castle that we know from many paintings and illustrations. By the end of the eighteenth century, this stronghold had been almost entirely demolished. The St. Nicolas Chapel from the 11th century and the Barbarossa Ruins from around 1130 still remind us of this impressive complex.