Venlo's history started in Roman times, when it was a centre of trade, the importance of which grew in the Carolingian period. In 1343 the place was chartered by the duke of Gelre, to which the town belonged for the next few centuries. In 1481 Venlo joined the Hanseatic League. In the 16th and 17th century the town was of strategic importance. Occassionally both Spain and the Republic were forced to leave the town to their opponents. In 1715 Venlo became part of the Republic permanently. Until 1867 the town remained a fortress. In the final months of World War Two the old centre was largely destroyed. Soon after the war reconstruction and restoration began.

Venlo's major church is the St. Martinus, a three-aisled hall-church from the 15th century. In 1945 the tower was destroyed and after the war replaced by a new one, designed by Jules Kayser.

Locatie: Grote Kerkstraat 40

The reformed church or Joriskerk consists of a medieval chapel to which in 1718 a new section was added.

Locatie: St. Jorisstraat 16

The Minderbroederskerk was built in 1617 as the church of the Franciscan monastery. The rest of the monastery was demolished after 1912.

Location: Minderbroedersstraat 2

The Augustinian church dates from 1416 and belonged to a convent of which nothing else is left. The front part with stair-turret was added by, once again, Jules Kayser.

Location: Nieuwstraat 41

The Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk ('church of Our Lady'), architect P.J.H. Cuypers last church, dominates the southern part of Venlo since 1913. The tower was damaged in World War Two, and its upper part was rebuilt differently later.

Location: Sinselveldstraat 35

The Kerk van de Heilige Familie ('church of the Holy Family') dates from 1939 and was designed by architect A.J. Kropholler in conjunction with F.H. Stoks.

Location: Belletablestraat 21