Skip to main content

Middle Ages

Medieval Maastricht within a protective city wall

Large sections of the first and second city walls are also still standing. They no longer separate the inner city from the enemy, but from a peaceful city park where students can relax in the shade of ancient trees during the summer months. You can walk along the ramparts and imagine how it felt at the time. Stand on the wall and take in the phenomenal view over Charles Eyckpark and the modern district of Céramique.

Iconic Maastricht

The iconic St Servatius Bridge (or ‘Aw Brögk’ – ‘old bridge’ in the local dialect) is another major monument from the Middle Ages. Countless pilgrims crossed the bridge to pray in the centre. With St Servatius church housing the tomb of the holy bishop Servatius, medieval Maastricht grew into a religious hotspot in much the same fashion as Lourdes in France. At the time, many of the pilgrims stayed at ‘In den Ouden Vogelstruys’. Then an inn, it is now one of the most popular cafés on Vrijthof square.

Maastricht Cellebroederskapel Bezienswaardigheid Kerk Historisch

The history of planned networks of streets

In the Middle Ages, the safely walled city attracted many members of clergy as well as merchants. The economy was booming: the tanneries in the Jekerkwartier and the cloth-weaving mills near Markt square were thriving. Maastricht’s network of streets largely dates back to medieval times. Narrow, tall houses were built close together to save space. The wider main roads were connected to narrow pedestrian streets.

Dinghuis

One of Maastricht’s few remaining medieval buildings is the striking Gothic ‘Dinghuis’ (1470), now the Maastricht Visitor Center. It is located on Kleine Staat, one of the city’s main shopping streets. The original entrance to the former courthouse is a double staircase with stone steps; the current entrance is at ground level. If you’re a tourist and looking to explore Maastricht, we’d be happy to give you some tips!

Discover it all here
iech vin diech sjiek tegeltje maastricht Visitor Center VVV Maastricht Dinghuis

Discover Maastricht - The best tours of the city

From a long, long time ago to now - The timeline