Grote Markt

Nijmegen


Thankfully, Nijmegen's sweeping market square was among the few parts of the old town to survive WWII. Open-air markets are still held here each week on Saturday and Monday, while ornate Dutch Renaissance De Waagh – built in 1612 – is now a popular cafe. In the middle of the square is the statue of a repentant Mariken van Nieumeghen, a maiden from late medieval Dutch literature who was seduced by Moenen ('the devil') and spent seven years living in sin.

At the crossroads of Burchtstraat, Broerstraat and Grotestraat, a blueish stone embedded in the pavement marks the spot where public executions used to be held.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Nijmegen attractions

1. De Waagh

0.01 MILES

Built in 1612 in a Dutch Renaissance style, the ornate red-brick weigh house takes pride of place on Grote Markt. It was here that merchants and traders…

2. Latijnse School

0.03 MILES

An oft-overlooked gem, the Latin School stands beside Sint Stevenskerk. A fine example of Renaissance architecture dating to 1545 with sculpted figures of…

3. Sint Stevenskerk

0.06 MILES

From Grote Markt duck beneath the ornate Gothic Kerkboog (1542; Church Arch) – originally with cattle grid and pit beneath to prevent pigs from the market…

4. Town Hall

0.09 MILES

Just east of Grote Markt, the town hall is a much-restored fairy tale in stone that dates to the 16th century. Rich and ornate, wooden carvings ornament…

5. muZIEum

0.17 MILES

On one of Nijmegen's main shopping streets, ride the escalator up to this unusual museum where visitors can experience what it is like (or as close as, at…

6. Mariënburg Chapel

0.21 MILES

Dating from the 15th century, this former Catholic convent miraculously survived the bombings of WWII intact. Temporary exhibitions focusing on city…

7. Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama

0.24 MILES

Down by the riverfront is this museum with more than 250 bicycles: everything from 19th-century wooden contraptions and hand-propelled bikes to an entire…

8. Valkhofpark

0.28 MILES

Perched in a commanding position over the Waal River, the Valkhof is a lovely park and the site of a ruined palace begun by Charlemagne in the 8th century…

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