Spanish influences in Maastricht

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Maastricht is incredibly rich in Spanish influences, although you might not say so at first glance. Whether it's Spanish tapas, historical treasures or music by the Tunas: you'll find it in Maastricht too. We take you through the city's Spanish atmospheres in this blog.

Art Nouveau architecture

You can already spot these similarities as you arrive in Maastricht by train. The old station, which first opened in 1914, leads you through the central hall to the ‘Ramblas van Wyck’ towards the city centre. The buildings on either side are well worth a look. The Amrath Hotel l’Empereur features a façade with striking elements of a well-known style known as ‘Jugendstil’. This style can also be seen in many Spanish cities such as Valencia and Barcelona, with Gaudí’s organic buildings being the best-known example.

  • Stationstraat Maastricht
  • Hotel l'Empereur Maastricht

Spanish culinary spots in Maastricht

Tapas shops, restaurants serving Spanish food or market stalls with treats on the go. Our markets can be compared to mercados, our waffles to galletas and our nonnevotten to churros. At several establishments in Maastricht, you can enjoy the tastiest Spanish regional dishes, traditional or with your own twist.

At Café Madrid, order classic tapas; from meatballs in tomato sauce to green pimientos. On tap are the tastiest Spanish beers. La Barraca's Spanish tapas comes in a more modern twist. Several dishes from Mediterranean cuisine are also on the menu. Those who prefer to share everything can go to Taverna la Vaca. Here you get typical Portuguese and Spanish specialities, such as prawns in garlic or bacalhau, cod from an artistic can.

Prefer a delicious bocadillo with Spanish jamón or flavoursome manchego cheese? Then you should definitely head to A la Paco. A caterer where you can feast on delicacies from all over Spain. Still only hungry for something sweet? There is a stall on the Market Square with the tastiest churros. Order with sugar, whipped cream or con chocolate for dipping.

  • Tapas at La Bodega Maastricht
  • A La Paco Maastricht sandwich

  • Taverna La Vaca

    A cosy atmosphere where you can enjoy Mediterranean dishes and tapas. The perfect place for a relaxed meal with friends or family. More info on Taverna La Vaca

    Taverna La Vaca Tavern La Vaca Maastricht terrace evening

  • A la Paco

    Delicatessen where you can taste the flavours of Spain, from fresh tapas and cheeses to authentic cold cuts and olives. More info on A la Paco

    A la Paco A La Paco counter

  • Café Madrid

    A tapas bar in the heart of Maastricht, around the corner from the Vrijthof! With fresh Spanish tapas, good drinks and a cosy atmosphere. More about Café Madrid

    Café Madrid

  • La Bodega

    Restaurant with tasty Spanish tapas to enjoy together. More info on La Bodega

    La Bodega Tapas La Bodega Maastricht

Servaas & Parma

Become part of history and walk across the oldest bridge in the Netherlands: the Sint-Servaasbrug. This stone bridge was built in the13th century to replace the original Roman bridge. Maastricht was besieged twice by the Spanish in the16th century, during what is better known as the Eighty Years’ War. At that time, the bridge was the scene of a bloody battle. In 1576, the women of Wyck were used as human shields to prevent Maastricht rebels from firing whilst government soldiers crossed the bridge. A cruel chapter in history, hard to imagine when you cross the Meuse today.

Walk on quietly, towards Vrijthof with one of its main attractions: the mystical Treasury of Saint Servatius' Basilica. There lies the diamond-encrusted second bust of Servaas. After the Spaniards destroyed the first statue, the Duke of Parma financed a second bust. On the back is the coat of arms of Parma. Another gem with Spanish roots.

Si señor: the Vrijthof

On the Vrijthof, you’ll also find the Spanish Government House. What was once the country residence of Charles V is now home to the Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof. When the city was under Spanish rule (between 1519 and 1550), Charles V and his son Philip II stayed in this building with its remarkable interior on several occasions. Take a look inside the building, which at the start of this century was transformed from an18th-century museum into a modern setting incorporating historical elements. Such as the marlstone triumphal arch featuring the head of Charles V on the left and his wife on the right. In the centre stands the head of their son, Philip II.

Spanish Government in Maastricht

Tunas de Maastricht

Anyone sitting on a terrace on Maastricht’s most famous square in the summer may well be entertained by the music of the Tunas. These are student fraternities who, dressed in historical costume, play and sing old Spanish, Portuguese and South American folk songs. It is a Spanish tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages, in exchange for accommodation and a meal. In Maastricht, too, there are several societies with Spanish-speaking international students, and there is now also a women’s group. They wander past the terraces with guitars and tambourines.

Even more music!

When you walk down the streets in Spain, there’s no getting away from it; music sets the mood. In Maastricht, too, there’s plenty of live music to be found on the streets and in cafés. On the Sint-Servaasbrug and near the Grote Staat, passers-by often stop for a moment to listen to a string quartet or a band. Events such as Jeker Jazz, featuring flamenco guitar music, or Musica Sacra also bring musical performances of specific genres to the city centre. Tip: keep an eye on the events calendar for other great events!

View the events calendar
Drinks nuts concert Maastricht

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