For an easy day trip from the Randstad, take writer Keith Evans' advice and make your way south to Maastricht. Aside from the simple pleasure of seeing hills, Maastricht is a lovely, old city with a beautiful centrum and more than 1000 protected monuments. There is also much consideration for all new construction and renovation to protect the aesthetics of downtown. The city can trace its origins back to 50 BC when the Romans built a settlement on the Maas River, making Maastricht the oldest city in The Netherlands.

  Stadhuis, Market Square

Depending on where you are leaving from and how the trains are running, expect a two and a half to three hour trip to get there. Now I went on a Saturday, most probably would, and there was a cracking antiquities market just outside the central station on the way to the river. It is a fantastic start. Not sure if it goes off every Saturday but I’m sure it’s seasonal.

Now, me and the Mrs. are power trekkers, we can cover some ground. I’ll run through our route and let you know the highlights, what could be cut, and what should not be missed. Get off the train and get a map. We all know how the streets wind and change names. Head straight down Stations Straat and you’ll hit the market if it’s on. Enjoy the goods and make your way to the river. If you caught a train around 9 am then you’ll be arriving right around noon.

The first good stop is to sit down at one of the charming cafes on the Maas. Cross Saint Servatius’ Bridge (1298) as the other side of the river is a little sunnier and the cafes have nicer terraces. Typical Dutch cafes, great sandwiches and salads, all fresh ingredients. Wash your meal down with a wheat beer as the geographic region is responsible for many Dutch, German, and Belgian witbiers. I had a few Korenwolfs, I like the hamster.

After lunch we headed along the river to the Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek (Basilica of Our Beloved Lady) as it was quite close. This basilica from the 12th century looks more like a fortress and did partake in defensive strategies for the city. From the basilica we wove our way along some of the old city walls nearby and the lovely parks that straddle them. The walls are amazing and were completed in the 13th century.

After the walls and parks, we headed to Fort St. Pieter. The fort sits at the top of a hill, yes a hill. Funny thing is its not particularly steep, or even that far to walk up it, but you’ll feel it. Our muscles are just not accustomed to any kind of grade anymore. It is fairly interesting; we did not go inside as it appeared there was no access. In further research for this article I found you can go inside and see certain chambers. It was finished in 1702. The real reason to head up to the fort however, is for the view. If it’s a pretty day, go for it. If not, you could cut Fort St. Pieter from the itinerary.                       

We headed down the hill and got a little lost at this point. We crossed a pretty park with a canal running through it. A very large church caught my eye and I had to see it. It was big and beautiful, but not particularly old or interesting. I don’t even know the name as it sits at the edge of the map. From the church we headed to the Waldeckbastion from 1690. These are more defensive structures of walls and tunnels. We were making our way into the center of town having saved it for last.

Sint Janskerk (St. John’s Church) and Sint Servaasbasiliek (Basilica of St. Servatius) were next and are must sees for Maastricht. Utterly spectacular. Sint Janskerk was completed in the 13th century but the tower suffered damage in a tornado and was finished in 1450. Its deep red color is stunning. The Basilica of St. Servatius was the best of the city for me. I am not religious but love the architecture, history, catholic treasure, and relics contained here. This basilica’s history stretches back to the year 1000. Go inside.

 Stained Glass, Sint Servaasbasiliek                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

When you wrap up the basilica, head to the Vrijthof. This is the epicenter of town. It is a lovely square with great views of the St. Servaasbasiliek, loads of bars and cafes here. This is a great spot for a little snack and another witbier perhaps.

The last site to take in before heading back to the station is the Stadhuis. Head to Markt for this fantastic structure from 1664. Markt itself is another huge square with more cafes and terraces. Once you’ve taken in Markt you could make your way back. One last building to seek out on the way is the Dinghuis (1470), it is right on the way to St. Servatius Bridge.

That should wrap up a solid tour of the city in about five hours.

I would recommend researching Fort St. Pieter and checking out some images online to potentially cut it out of your tour. That would leave more time exploring the fantastic city center. Maastricht……hell of a crackin’ town.

Written by Keith Evans

Photography by Keith and Gwen Evans and Dave and Tiffany Kamer

If you wish to comment or express an opinion about this article please e-mail the editor@TheHagueOnLine.com