Ryswick

Ryswick, officially Rijswijk in Dutch, is a town and municipality in the western Netherlands. It is located in the province of South Holland, just west of The Hague, and is part of the Haaglanden metropolitan area. The area has a long history as a market town and residential community and today combines a historic core with modern neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas.

Rijswijk is best known internationally for the signing of the Treaty of Ryswick in 1697. The treaty ended the Nine Years' War between France and the Grand Alliance, which included England, the Dutch Republic, and the Holy Roman Empire. Negotiated and signed in the town, the agreement helped restore a balance of power in Europe and defined territorial settlements after years of conflict. The treaty marked a turning point in late 17th-century European diplomacy and established a framework for peace that endured for several years.

In contemporary times, Rijswijk functions as a residential municipality with services, schools, and local commerce. It is well connected by rail and road to The Hague and other regional centers, making it a commuter town as well as a location for businesses and public institutions. The municipality also preserves architectural and cultural heritage from its historic past while continuing to develop as part of the greater Rotterdam–The Hague corridor.