About Maastricht

Along the Meuse

Maastricht is the capital of Limburg, the oddly-shaped Dutch province nestled between Belgium and Germany. Situated on the Meuse River, Maastricht is a multifaceted city known for its rich history and culture.

Maastricht may be the oldest city in the Netherlands, although some claim that Nijmegen holds the title. Either way, it has been inhabited continuously since Roman times, evolving from a Roman settlement to a religious centre, a garrison city,  and an early industrial city.

Maastricht was the first Dutch city  liberated by Allied forces after WWII ended. Furthermore, Maastricht was the signing-place of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, leading to the creation of the European Union and the euro.

Nowadays, the city is home to around 122,000 people and is defined by its history, attractions, culture, local folklore and education. Maastricht’s historic inner city includes the Vrijthof, a beautiful square that once attracted medieval pilgrims to see the grave of Saint Servatius. Now, the square attracts everyone with its outdoor cafés and events.

Because of its strategic position on the Meuse river, foreign rulers attacked Maastricht on countless occasions over the centuries. As a result, Maastricht’s unique architecture includes elaborate city walls, moats, forts and other defensive works around the city. An example is Maastricht’s network of underground passageways built between 1575 and 1825, which soldiers used to surprise enemies during sieges. These locations have been intentionally preserved by experts and can now be visited on historical tours. 

Maastricht is also known across the country for its culinary highlights and celebrations. The city’s celebration of Carnival is among the biggest and most festive in all of the Netherlands, attracting hundreds of visitors yearly.