Maastricht Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Maastricht

Maastricht is an ancient city known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

In the first century AD, the Romans built a bridge across the Meuse river. A settlement grew near the bridge. Maastricht's name means "a place to cross the Meuse river". Today, a pillar marks this location of the original Roman bridge.

The Roman settlement was small, but excavations revealed a Roman road, shrine, a Roman bath, houses, a fourth-century castrum, jewelry, pottery, and coins.

Saint Servatius, the city's patron saint, was the Bishop of Tongeren and died in 384 along the Roman road. The Basilica of Saint Servatius is located on Saint Servatius's gravesite.

Maastricht was a vital part of the Carolingian Empire and was known for its manufacturing of wool and leather and trade capabilities. Maastricht flourished during the 12th century, and the city produced beautiful art and architecture.

The city remained an important trading center throughout the Middle Ages. However, Maastricht's economy suffered during the 16th and 17th-century wars of religion. First, the Spanish army sacked the city in 1579. Then, in 1632, Prince Frederick Henry of Orange conquered Maastricht. Next, Louis XIV of France laid siege to the city in 1673. Finally, the French conquered Maastricht in 1748 and again in 1794 when Napoleonic France annexed the city.

Maastricht's economy recovered during the industrial revolution in the early 19th century and the city joined the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815. The city remained neutral during World War I and took in many refugees from Germany and Belgium. However, the Germans captured Maastricht during World War II before Allied forces liberated it.

Today, visitors can enjoy the city's many historical architectural wonders. The Romanesque Basilica of Saint Servatius was built during the 11th and 12th centuries. It stands next door to St. John's Church, built during the 14th and 15th centuries. The Romanesque Basilica of Our Lady was built in the 11th and 12th centuries and is another fabulous example of Maastricht's architectural history.

Visitors can taste fresh-baked bread at Holland's oldest working watermill, walk across the centuries-old St. Servatius Bridge, and admire Hell's Gate, part of the original city walls.

Take this self-guided tour to explore Maastricht's most notable sights.