Thứ Tư, 20 tháng 11, 2019

Top 10 things to do in Maastricht

Located in the southern part of the Netherlands, Maastricht is a lovely little city known for its vibrant culture and medieval architecture.

This city is home to Sint Jansjerk a Gothic-style church and the Bonnefanten Museum lies on the banks of the Maas River. Some of the best places to visit include the Basilica of Saint Servatius, an 11th-century cathedral that hosts holy treasures, and the famous Vrijhof, a large, café-lined square with a beautiful fountain, and the perfect place to enjoy shopping and dining. Visit Mount Saint Peter and get breathtaking views of the plateau with amazing castle and monastery ruins. If you’re planning to make this humble but unique city a part of your places to see, then you should know exactly the best places to go and things to do in Maastricht, the Netherlands.


1. Explore the historical caves and tunnels at Maastricht Underground

If you love caving or spelunking, then spare some time to come and explore the historic tunnels and caves at Maastricht Underground. discover the wonders of Maastricht Underground as you enter the dark and secretive caves and tunnels where the world of internet doesn’t exist, explore and learn about the underground’s history, and experience what it is like to take cover underground, hiding away from danger.


2. Go shopping at Market Square

Market Square is actually one of two squares in this beautiful city where you can genuinely buy quality goods. The Market Square is home to a statue portraying Jan Pieter Minckelers, an 18th-century professor holding an eternal burning flame. The market opens weekly with several vendors flowing in ready with their merchandise. From antiquities to fresh farm produce, the market is known to have almost everything you need and can think of.


3. Stroll along St. Servaas bridge for great views of Meuse river and Maastricht

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Feeling like taking a nice stroll to stretch out? Turn your compass towards St Servaas bridge,then take a moment to marvel at its structure. Stop and take in the stunning views of Maastricht and the river Meuse as you enjoy the tranquility that comes with the view and the calming atmosphere. The bridge is named after Saint Servatius, the first bishop of Maastricht, it was initially a wooden bridge built by Romans to cross the Meuse and later renovated and constructed using limestone.


4. Visit the ruins of Lichtenberg Castle

Come and explore the majestic ruins of the Lichtenberg Castle. Known by locals as Kasteel Lichtenberg, these amazing ruins nest on Mons Luci’ mountain on the southern part of Maastricht. Though no Roman tower remains standing in the ruins, the Romans used this site for signaling and giving them a more defensive vantage point. The castle is now sitting on a vertical, bare limestone cliff due to open quarrying.


5. Browse through religious artifacts at Basilica of St. Servatius

Spare some of your time to browse through the amazing artifacts and religious iconography from ages past at the Basilica of St. Servatius located in Vrithof square. This mostly Romanesque-style church is also dedicated to St. Servatius, and is religiously significant for being built on the saint’s resting place, as well as housing other relics. Beautiful Vrithof square was converted from a Roman and Frankish cemetery and renovated into a square full of life where people can gather and enjoy their time. The square is surrounded by restaurants, bars, a museum and theater, and heritage building.


6. Enjoy stunning views from the top of Fort Sint Pieter

If you are a fan of capturing perfect views and are not afraid of heights, then embark on this adventure. Climb to the top of Fort Sint Pieter to get breathtaking views across the River Meuse and Maastricht. Constructed in 1702, this military stone fort was used to strategically defend the city of Maastricht. Once called the Iron City, this hexagonal fort is full of caves and tunnels ready for defensive stance but only got to see battle once. Today, it is a place you can go to fully enjoy the beauty of Maastricht and its surrounding natural landscape–a truly unforgettable sight!


7. Discover the Netherlands' Hell's Gate

Come and visit the Netherlands’ Helpoort, also known as Hell’s Gate. Considered as the oldest gate in the Netherlands, its construction was commissioned as part of the first city walls and an entrance to the southern part of Maastricht. The gate derived its name from the fact that prisoners were jailed in the gate’s tower. Over the years, Hell’s Gate has served as a storage space, a workshop, and residence. Now, it hosts a museum showcasing the city’s history.


8. Explore and learn at Maastricht Natural History Museum

See the ancient fossils and other specimens on display at Maastricht Natural History Museum and learn a thing or two about the geology and flora and fauna of the region. The museum is located in a former monastery called Monastery of the Gray Sisters in the district of Jekerkwartier. Some of the collections and exhibits showcased in the museum include Cretaceous era fossils, specimens of Hoffmann’s giant turtle, and the skull of a Mosasaur.


9. Marvel at the Romanesque architecture of the Basilica of our Lady

Stop and a take a moment to marvel and appreciate the true beauty of the Romanesque-style Basilica of our Lady. This truly stunning church was constructed in the 1100s, combining features of local, Byzantine, and Roman traditions. From its distinctive round arches, towers, and thick walls, one can’t stop wondering just how much work, effort, sweat, and dedication was put into building such a gem without modern technology. Truly a sight you can’t miss when in Maastricht.


10. Wander around the vast Boekhandel Dominicanen

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For bookworms, the Boehandel Dominicanen is an absolute must-visit, a book haven located in the city of Maastricht. It is a great place to explore and just wander around, first trying to see if you can catalog which amazing and best-selling books are on-shelf before jumping right into in your favorite section. This bookworm paradise is located in a 700-year-old Dominican church and is the perfect place for you to look for a particular title. Take some time to chill out and get some reading done on your Maastricht vacation at Boekhandel Dominicanen with its great ambiance and inspired collections, a perfect environment for losing yourself in the literature.


Read also: Top 10 things to do in Utrecht at night



from : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-maastricht-705170.html

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