Introduction to Maastricht, Netherlands

Squashed between the Belgian and German borders, MAASTRICHT is one of the most delightful cities in the Netherlands. A cosmopolitan place, where three languages happily coexist, it's also one of the oldest towns in the country. The busiest of Maastricht's many squares is Markt, at its most crowded during the Wednesday and Friday morning market. At the centre is the mid-seventeenth-century Stadhuis (Mon–Fri 8.30am–12.30pm & 2–5.30pm; free). Just west, Vrijthof is a grander open space flanked by a line of café terraces on one side and on the other by St Servaaskerk (daily 10am–5/6pm; €2), a tenth-century church. Next door is St Janskerk (Easter–Oct Mon–Sat 11am–4pm; free), with its high fifteenth-century Gothic tower (€1.15 donation). Maastricht's other main church, the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Basiliek, is a short walk south of Vrijthof, down Bredestraat, in a small, shady square crammed with café tables. On the other side of the square lies the appealing district of Stokstraat Kwartier, with narrow streets winding out to the fast-flowing River Jeker and the Helpoort of 1229. Continuing south, the casemates in the Waldeck Park (guided tours: July–Sept daily 12.30pm & 2pm; rest of year Sun 2pm; €3) are further evidence of Maastricht's once-impressive fortifications. Fifteen minutes' walk further south is the 110m hill of St Pietersberg. Of the two ancient defensive tunnel systems under the hill, the Zonneberg is probably the better, situated on the far side of the hill at Casino Slavante (guided tours: July & Aug daily 2.45pm; €3). Just outside the city lies the busy tourist town of VALKENBURG, which provides a base for walking the nearby hills and forests.

Information by Rough Guides

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