Maastricht Attractions

The Wilhelminabrug (1930-32; fine views of town) leads directly to the spacious Markt. The seven-arched St Servaasbrug was originally built in the 13th century, and also offers a good view of the town. On the bridge can be seen a modern statue of St Servaas (Servatius). Near the bridge a semicircular structure erected in 1984, marks the spot where the Romans built the first bridge over the river.

In Tongerseplein, on the west side of the town, are the casemates built between 1575 and 1825 - a maze of vaulted underground passages, powder stores and bomb-proof rooms which can be seen by arrangement (apply to the tourist information office); the entrance is at the Waldeck Bastion.

To the south of Maastricht are a number of old castles, including Kasteel Neercanne (now a hotel and restaurant), Kasteel Gronsveld and Kasteel Mheer.

Farther north of Stockstraat, at Kleine Staat 1, is the Dinghuis, with half-timbered walls and a handsome stone gable. Originally built in 1470 as a town hall, it was for many years the seat of the High Court: hence the name Dinghuis (Courthouse). In the cellars of the building, now occupied by the tourist information office (VVV), are torture chambers which bear witness to this earlier function.

The stone-built Dominican church in Dominicanerplein dates from the 13th century. There are remains of wall paintings of 1337 and 1619 on the vaulting. Most of the Dominican friary to which the church belonged has been demolished.

The Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Center is an ultra-modern building built in 1988. It is ideal for trade fairs and conferences of numerous sizes.

Southeast of the Vrijthof, set in gardens in the Henric van Veldekeplein, is a statue (by Charles Vos, 1934) of the first Dutch poet, Henric van Veldeke, best known for his translation of the legend of St Servatius.

Every Wednesday and Friday there is a market which can be found in Market Square.

During renovations of the hotel, 2nd to 4th C. Roman remains were uncovered. Visitors can see these remains at the hotel, which is also open for business.

Farther south of Henric van Veldekeplein, by way of Bouillonstraat, is Bosquetplein. In this square is Maastricht's Natural History Museum, which illustrates the geological development of South Limburg with displays of fossils and different types of rock. There is also a biological section with collections of regional flora and fauna.

The new Provinciehuis (provincial government headquarters) at Limburglaan 10 in the Wijk district, opened in 1986, is an example of contemporary architecture in a very individual style. This irregularly shaped red-brick building with its numerous angles and turrets stands partly on the right bank of the Maas and partly on an island in the river. Its picturesque situation makes a walk there well worth while; the interior can be seen by arrangement (apply to the reception desk).

From the Natural History Museum Grote Looierstraat and Lange Grachtje run east into St Pieterstraat, in which is a former Minorite friary (13th C.). After the Minorites were expelled from the town for treachery in 1638 their church, the Minderbroederskerk, was used as an arsenal and military hospital. Since 1880 it has housed the Rijksarchief, the Archives of Limburg.

The Gothic St Janskerk in Henric van Veldekeplein dates from the 14th and 15th centuries and has been a Reformed church since 1632. Its most notable features are its tower, over 70m/230ft high, and its pulpit in Louis XVI style. The church can be seen after service on Sundays.

North of the Town Hall, in Boschstraat, stands St Mathiaskerk (14th-16th C.; R.C.), the building of which was largely financed by cloth merchants. It has a beautiful 15th century Pietà.

On the right bank of the Maas lies the Wijk district of Maastricht, with the railroad station and St Maartenskerk (Rechtstraat 2), built by P. J. H. Cuypers in 1854 after the demolition of an earlier church. From here two bridges cross the river to the left bank, on which most of the town lies. The quay wall on the east bank is a relic of the town walls round Wijk.

About 5km/3mi west of Maastricht lies Cadier en Keer, with the Africa Center, which illustrates the cultures of West Africa with displays of everyday articles, objects used in ritual ceremonies and other exhibits.

The entrance to St Pietersberg Caves is in Fort St Pieter, on the north side of the hill. The fort, built in 1702 on a pentagonal plan, has bomb-proof rooms and a circular gallery with embrasures and a number of old cannon. It is open to visitors.