The oldest town in the Netherlands, NIJMEGEN, some 20km south of Arnhem, was built on the site of the Roman frontier fortress of Novio Magus, from which it derives its name. Situated on the southern bank of the Waal, just to the west of its junction with the Rhine, the town's location has long been strategically important. Unfortunately, the old town was largely destroyed in WWII and has been replaced by a centre reconstructed to a new plan.