Maastricht: a city's biography

Become acquainted with an ancient city in a modern way: experience the rich history and culture of Maastricht! Curious about the stories behind the historical places and monuments? Do you have any questions about the history of Maastricht? Please visit: www.zichtopmaastricht.nl and enjoy multimedia presentations about the monuments, the interactive map and timeline. Explore the city walks, the ‘Maastricht Album’ and the program of events. Innovation and history go hand in hand and present an alternative view of Maastricht!

Web & Mobile your personal guide

Discover Maastricht with your PDA, Smartphone, MP3 Player or iPod. Watch the presentations and listen to audioclips in the unique places of the city. Determine your own route with the help of the interactive map. Download the podcast or the free software for use with GPS (windows mobile): www.zichtopmaastricht.nl/mobile (accessible from 5th of July 2008)
 

Some suggestions to enjoy your stay in Maastricht

Here you will find some of the possibilities and activities you can chose to ensure that you will have a pleasant stay in Maastricht

Museums

If you're looking for culture, Maastricht is definitely the place to be – a city with a long and very rich cultural history. So it should come as no surprise that Maastricht houses an impressive variety of historical museums and sites, ranging from artefacts from the Roman era in the underground museum beneath the Derlon hotel to the treasure chambers of Saint Servatius, from the Museum of Natural History to the Spaans Gouvernement (Spanish Government) Museum. But Maastricht also looks to the future: the striking Bonnefanten Museum houses a new collection of internationally oriented contemporary art works, and the Centre Ceramique, located in the hypermodern Céramique district, presents frequently-changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

More museums: http://www.vvv-maastricht.eu/culture/museums.html

 

Daytrips

Take some time out to explore the network of underground passageways beneath Maastricht. Take a look at the underground vault where a large part of the Netherlands’ art treasures were safeguarded during World War II. You can also view the city from the water or sitting in a horse-drawn coach. Or if you prefer walking, our professional guides will be happy to introduce you to “their” Maastricht on an interesting excursion while taking in some of the city’s highlights. You can also combine an excursion with a visit to the Kazematten, a network of underground passageways and bunkers used for defending the city against enemies, or with a walk up Sint Pietersberg hill, giving you a fantastic view of the city and its surroundings. For more daytrips visit http://www.vvv-maastricht.eu/day_trips.html

Jesuit Caves

One of the worlds best provided preserved marlstone quarries, the 'Jezuitenberg' (Jesuit Caves), is located on the outskirts of the city of Maastricht, close to the Belgian border. Exploitation of this quarry, which forms part of the 'Fallenberg-complex', took place between 1704 and 1880, when marlstone was widely used as building material. Owing to the Jesuit Fathers there now is a subterranean museum in this vast network of galleries. Between 1860 and 1960 Jesuit scholars and theological students spent a great deal of their leisure time on Wednesday afternoons in this quarry where they recreated after their strenuous studies. Apart from the many interesting studies and publications they produced, they drew a full scale floor plan of the quarry's gallery network, and moreover, they created numerous charcoal and coloured drawings on the cave's walls.

Apostelhoeve Vineyard

On the Louwberg hillside, in the beautiful Jeker Valley on the south side of the city, lies the monumental 15th-century Apostelhoeve (Apostle Farmstead). Guided tours are available for groups, with expert guidance and information provided. Tour includes a visit to the vineyard and wine cellars plus a tasting session in the tasting room.

Active sports

Maastricht’s hilly surroundings make it ideally suited for a great many sporting activities. The region has all the ingredients needed for enjoyable and active bicycle trips: a compact historic city centre with a great many architectural highlights as well as a great deal of natural and scenic beauty. For the adventurous at heart, a variety of additional activities are available, including kayaking or canoeing trips and climbing or skiing in the Netherlands’ largest indoor ski piste. Even the underground passageways have been made accessible for mountain bikers who enjoy a challenge! And after a day of strenuous exercise, Maastricht's deservedly famous cafés and restaurants will be waiting to welcome you. For more information visit http://www.vvv-maastricht.eu/active_sports.html

Interesting websites of Maastricht

http://www.vvv-maastricht.eu/practical_info.html
http://www.zichtopmaastricht.nl 
http://www.vvv-maastricht.eu/practical_info.html 
http://crossroads.journalismcentre.com 
http://www.bonnefanten.nl/content/set_lang.php?id=2 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maastricht