Onze lieve vrouwe plein
(Maastrichts: Slevrouweplein) is a square in the center of Maastricht. Located in the oldest part of the city, just outside the late Roman castellum, the square is named after the Basilica of Our Lady, whose massive westwork dominates the area. The square is best known for the Star of the Sea Chapel and its many terraces. Completely car-free, the square is filled with terraces, making it an ideal place to relax, especially on warm summer days under the trees. The surrounding buildings house cafes, restaurants, the elegant Derlon Hotel, a few charming shops, and the historic Basilica of Our Lady. This beautiful church, one of the oldest in the Netherlands, dates back to the tenth century and has stood the test of time admirably.
stadhuis maastricht
The Maastricht Town Hall has been the city’s municipal building since 1664. Located in the center of Maastricht on the Market Square, it is a freestanding building designed by Pieter Post and is a significant example of Dutch Classicism, clad entirely in natural stone. Built between 1659 and 1664, the Town Hall features a richly decorated interior, primarily from the 18th century, adorned with beautiful and valuable tapestries, exquisite stucco work, ceiling paintings, fireplace pieces, and chandeliers. The tower, dating from 1684, contains a carillon with 49 bells and is still regularly played.
Sint servaasbrug
The Sint Servaasbrug, known until 1932 as the Maasbrug and commonly referred to as the “old bridge,” is a stone arch bridge from the 13th century that spans the River Maas in the Dutch city of Maastricht. Named after Saint Servatius, a 4th-century bishop of Maastricht, the bridge was simply called ’the bridge’ or officially Maasbrug until it received its current name in 1932. Regarded as the oldest bridge in the Netherlands, the Sint Servaasbrug is a cherished icon of Maastricht. This remarkable structure is a prime example of medieval engineering and remains an integral part of the city’s infrastructure.
vrijthof
In the heart of the city lies the beautiful Vrijthof, a renowned square known for hosting André Rieu’s summer concerts, the Preuvenemint food festival, and Magisch Maastricht at the Vrijthof. The rest of the year, the Vrijthof is open for leisurely strolls and taking in the scenic views. The square is surrounded by numerous historic buildings, reflecting Maastricht’s past as a religious center and military stronghold. Notable landmarks include the Sint Servaas Church, Sint Janskerk, the Spanish Government Building, the Main Guardhouse, and the Generaalshuis. Additionally, the square is lined with cozy terraces and charming hotels, bustling with visitors and locals throughout the year. This romantic and historic square is the largest in Maastricht.
Citywalls
The first city wall of Maastricht, also known as the first medieval city wall or the first city enclosure of Maastricht, is a 2.4 km long fortification built to protect the city area on the left bank of the Meuse River.
The Helpoort in Maastricht, dating from 1229, is part of this first medieval fortification and is the oldest surviving gatehouse in the Netherlands. A miniature replica can be found in Madurodam. Until the 18th century, the Helpoort was also known as Hoogbruggepoort.
