Maastricht
Maastricht, our city
A bit of abroad at home, where historic elegance, an un-Dutch atmosphere and Burgundian hospitality make a delicious cocktail.
Two thousand years in a small place
The Romans forded the Maas here and the crossing decided everything that followed. From the Roman remains in the Derlon cellar, past a twelfth-century gate, to a 1992 treaty room takes about twenty minutes on foot, which is roughly the pace of the whole city.
Related city storiesHistory and modern life, together
After Amsterdam, the historic centre has more listed monuments than any other Dutch city. In size Maastricht compares with Aachen, Luxembourg, Delft and Toledo. It has 120,000 inhabitants, 25,000 of them students. Maastrichtenaren may look back on the past with some nostalgia, but the young university (1976) has given the city enormous life. Alongside pure Maastrichts, French and German you now hear a whole range of other languages.
Related city storiesBurgundian, as a way of living
Maastrichtenaren are proud of their joie de vivre: they love long meals and lively conversation over a good glass of wine, with nobody watching the clock. Visitors from the north notice that people here dress better. “Chic en sjoen”: the streets are tidier too.
Related city storiesGerman, Belgian and Limburg traits: it feels different
Liège is 30 kilometres away, Aachen and Hasselt 35, Amsterdam more than 200. Maastricht is the least Hollandish city in the country, with a different way of building and a different way of life and culture.
Related city storiesThe neighbourhoods
From the popular Vrijthof to the down-to-earth Markt. From the intimate Onze Lieve Vrouweplein to the fine streets on the other bank. From the Jekerkwartier, our Latin Quarter, to the preserved industrial quarter around the Bassin. You choose.
Related city storiesThe dialect
Maastrichts is not an accent but a language of its own, with its own spelling and its own songs. Your greeter cannot teach it to you, but will probably slip into it the moment they run into someone they know.
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