Maastricht

Maastricht is the capital city of the province of Limburg in the southern Netherlands. It lies on the Meuse river near the Belgian border and is known for its long history as a crossroads of European culture, commerce, and learning. The compact historic center features medieval churches, intact old fortifications, and a network of underground passages.

The area has ancient roots, with a Roman fort at Mosa Traiectum guarding the Meuse crossing. In the Middle Ages Maastricht developed as a prosperous trading city within the Duchy of Brabant and later under the Burgundian and Habsburg realms. It received city rights in the 13th century and grew as a regional center of administration and commerce. In modern history the city gained international prominence when the Maastricht Treaty was signed there in 1992, establishing the European Union and laying the groundwork for the euro.

Key landmarks include the Vrijthof square with the basilica of Saint Servatius, the Onze Lieve Vrouweplein and the Gothic town hall, as well as the Saint Janskerk. The nearby St. Pietersberg caves and fortifications offer a notable underground landscape. Maastricht University, founded in 1976, is recognized for its problem-based learning approach and international programs, attracting students from across Europe and beyond.

Today Maastricht supports a diverse economy centered on education, services, and cross-border commerce with Belgium and Germany. It is served by Maastricht Aachen Airport and an extensive rail network, making it a regional hub. The city is linguistically diverse, with Dutch as the official language, Limburgish spoken locally, and a cosmopolitan cultural life reflected in its festivals and institutions.