City Walk ‘Meeting Mariken’

A tour of Nijmegen’s past and present
On this page we would like to offer you a short city walk. ‘Meeting Mariken’ is not a tour of all the major sights, though you will undoubtedly pass them on your way. ‘Meeting Mariken’ is an introduction, presenting a range of options that we would like to offer you.

The name ‘Mariken’ refers to the main character in a famous medieval miracle play called Mariken van Nieumeghen. This name is inextricably linked with Nijmegen. For seven years, Mariken led a godless life with the one-eyed Moenen, the devil incarnate. She finally repented of her sins whilst watching a performance of the Masscheroen pageant play on the Grote Markt in Nijmegen. The furious Moenen lifted Mariken high into the air and then dropped her onto the crowd watching the play. Miraculously, Mariken survived unharmed. Her uncle Gijsbrecht who was also watching the play recognised her and took pity on her. A statue of Mariken can be found at Grote Markt in the city centre (see picture below).

Download and print the city walk below, map included (free of charge). Enjoy Nijmegen!

• Citywalk Printversion (172 kb)