Maastricht in brief

 

Maastricht in the past
Maastricht’s history began when the Romans built a settlement near a ford across the Meuse River. The nameis derived from Mosae Trajectum, ‘the place where you can wade across the Meuse’. This settlement evolved into a walled castellum; the ford across the Meuse was the reason why Maastricht has always been a city of strategic importance, and why it has had to withstand many sieges over the centuries. The ambience of 20-centuries’ history can almost be felt in the old inner city, with its small cobbled streets and impressive façades. The prosperity the city has enjoyed through the centuries is manifested by the many churches, storehouses, and mansions. However the remains of the city walls and the subterranean fortifications tell a different story - the history of a turbulent and martial location, at the crossroads of political spheres of influence.

Maastricht, city with flamboyance
The lifestyle of the residents of Maastricht is contagious - Maastricht is truly effervescent! The city accommodates innumerable (pavement) cafés and restaurants; no other city in the Netherlands offers as many culinary facilities within such a small radius as Maastricht. The kitchens of many of the city’s restaurants have a French accent, although spiced with the region’s characteristic specialities, such as cave mushrooms, Rommedoe cheese, and asparagus. Try also the wines made in Maastricht or one of the beer specialties of Limburg. It is not without reason that Maastricht regularly plays the role of the culinary capital of the Netherlands.

Maastricht outdoors
Other than gastronomy, culture and shopping, Maastricht also forms the ideal setting for outdoor activities. Within 20 minutes walking distances you find yourself in the heart of the green ‘Jeker’-valley. The surrounding countryside with its hills lends itself well for activities as mountain biking, kayaking, GPS expeditions, climbing, hiking and cycling. The beauty of the Meuse valley can best be admired during a river cruise.The famous marl caves of the St. Pietersberg (120 m.), located just to the South of Maastricht, can be visited under the supervision of a guide. The caves were formed on the mining of marl for use in building, and over the course of the centuries the mining operations resulted in the development of a labyrinth comprised of more than 20,000 underground passages. Visitors to the caves can admire many fossils - as well as inscriptions and drawings, some of which are many centuries old.

Internationalisation
The signing of the Maastricht Treaty and the city’s central location in Europe have both contributed to Maastricht’s international reputation. The city also accommodates a variety of European institutions and offices of international companies. In addition, Maastricht is an academic centre with a university, university teaching hospital, polytechnic, drama school, art academy, and school of music. Maastricht’s international renown is further enhanced by the presence of the MECC (Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre), together with a variety of other conference and congress facilities.

Maastricht in the present
Modern Architecture The new Céramique district has been developed on the western bank of the Meuse, to the immediate south of the city’s Wyck quarter. Renowned architects such as Coenen, Rossi, Siza and Botta designed buildings such as the Bonnefantenmuseum, a number of office blocks, apartments, and the Centre Céramique, which also accommodates the city library and the European Journalism Centre. The Plein 1992 square commemorates the Maastricht Treaty, which was signed during the European Summit in 1992, a direct result of the summit under Dutch presidency of the European Union in 1991. This Treaty ultimately resulted in the introduction of the Euro.

Maastricht, city of culture 
Would you like to visit a museum in Maastricht? You have a wide choice from modern art to natural history. Contemporary artist present their work in a number of galleries spread all over town. Opera, theatre, ballet, music, musicals and cabaret, a variety of cultural events for all ages are being performed in theatres and other stages and (concert) halls that Maastricht possesses.