The Dutch city of Maastricht is one of the Netherland’s oldest cities after being founded by the Romans in 50 BC. Maastricht sits on both banks of the Meuse River, and is today the capital of the country’s southwestern region of Limburg. This University City is home to many dialects and languages, thanks to the Belgian border being only three miles away and Germany lying 20 miles to the east. Alongside its extensive history, Maastricht is home to an array of festivals, a lovely selection of shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as green spaces, and great bridges; including Sint Servaassbrug, the country’s oldest bridge. If you are looking to explore the city, it couldn’t be easier by road - hire a car in Maastricht and the city is your oyster.
Medieval Maastricht has an array of stunning squares full of attractions. In the historic city centre, visit the Vrijthof Square, home to the Netherland’s oldest church, St. Servaaskerk, which was built in the 12th century, and now has a museum, displaying its significance. The square also hosts the Magisch Maastricht Christmas festival and market, during the holidays. The city has an assortment of ruins for visitors to explore, while you can learn about the city’s art collection at the Rocket-like Bonnefantenmuseum. Area surrounding Maastricht is also home to a rich tapestry of attractions, rent a car from the city and visit Fort Sint Pieter, and 18th century fort that is home to a labyrinth of over 20,000 passages, in the St Pietersberg Caves.
