Nederland - Sittard

Sittard - assumed to have been founded around the year of 850 - is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. The Duke of Limburg is said to have granted the city its “city rights” in 1243. In 1400 Sittard became part of the Duchy of Jülich, which it remained until 1794. During the 15th - 17th centuries the city saw much conflicts and it was destroyed by multiple fires and rebuild a number of times.

From 1798 to 1814 Sittard belonged to France as a part of the so called the Roer department, with Aachen as its capital. In 1814 it became part of the Netherlands, except for the years 1830 - 1839. During World War II the historic centre of Sittard was mostly spared destruction, although over 4.000 shells and rockets struck the city.

Although the city of Sittard has continued to grow after the war, it has maintained its connection with its history. Many of the buildings in existence still today are indicative of the 16th and 17th centuries. Even the original city walls, built in the 13th century, are still visible in many places throughout the city.

The city centre 0f Sittard has been officially designated as a protected national monument.