Spanish influences in Maastricht
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 discover these similarities when you enter Maastricht by train. The old station, first opened in 1914, takes you through the central hall to the 'Ramblas of Wyck' towards the city. The buildings on both sides are worth seeing. The Amrath hotel l'Empereur has a façade with surprising elements of a well-known style called 'Jugendstil'. This style is also seen in many Spanish cities such as Valencia and Barcelona, with Gaudi's organic buildings being the most famous example.
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Maastricht main railway station
Maastricht main railway station
Maastricht main railway station dates from 1961 and was built to the design of George van Heukelom. More info on Stationsgebouw Maastricht
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Amrâth Grand Hotel & Restaurant De l'Empereur
Amrâth Grand Hotel & Restaurant De l'Empereur
Located opposite Maastricht Central Station, the hotel is housed in a national monument. More about Amrâth Grand Hotel & Restaurant De l'Empereur
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.
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Taverna La Vaca
Taverna La Vaca
Taverna La Vaca on Koestraat offers a cosy atmosphere where you can enjoy Mediterranean dishes and tapas. It is the perfect place for a relaxed meal with friends or family. More info on Taverna La Vaca
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A la Paco
A la Paco
Delicatessen where you can taste the flavours of Spain, from fresh tapas and cheeses to authentic charcuterie and olives. Located in the heart of the city, a perfect stop for lovers of Spanish cuisine! More info on A la Paco
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Café Madrid
Café Madrid
A tapas bar in the heart of Maastricht, just around the corner from the Vrijthof! With fresh Spanish tapas, good drinks and a cosy atmosphere. More about Café Madrid
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La Bodega
La Bodega
Restaurant serving tasty Spanish tapas to enjoy together. More information about La Bodega
Servaas & Parma
Become part of history and walk on to the oldest bridge in the Netherlands: the Sint-Servaas Bridge. The Romans built this stone bridge in the 13th century. Maastricht was twice besieged by the Spanish in the 16th century, better known as the 80-year war. The bridge was then the scene of a bloody battle. In 1576, Wyck women were used as living shields so that Maastricht rebels would not shoot while government soldiers crossed the bridge. A brutal piece of history, hard to imagine when crossing the Maas today.
Walk on quietly, towards Vrijthof with one of its main attractions: the mystical Treasury of Sint-Servaasbasiliek. 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.
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Schatkamer Basiliek van Sint Servaas
Schatkamer Basiliek van Sint Servaas
The most important and largest treasure chamber in the Netherlands in a unique medieval setting. More info on Schatkamer Basiliek van Sint Servaas
Si señor: the Vrijthof
Vrijthof is also home to the Spanish Government. The former country palace of Charles V is now home to the Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof. When the city was in Spanish hands, (between 1519 and 1550) Charles V and his son Philip II stayed several times in this building with special interior. Take a look inside the building, which was transformed at the beginning of this century from an 18th-century museum to an entourage in a modern setting with historical elements. Like the marlstone triumphal arch with the head of Charles V on the left and his wife on the right. In the centre is the head of their son, Philip II.
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Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof
Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof
Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof is a private photography museum located in the centre of Maastricht. More info on Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof
Tunas de Maastricht
Anyone sitting on the terrace on Maastricht's most famous square in summer is likely to be entertained by the music of the Tunas. A fraternity of students, who, in historical attire, play and sing old Spanish, Portuguese and South American folklore songs. It is a Spanish tradition, originated in the Middle Ages, in exchange for shelter and a meal. In Maastricht, too, you have several associations with Spanish-speaking internationals and there is now also a female group. They tour the terraces with guitar and tambourine.
Even more musica!
If you walk down the street in Spain, you cannot escape it; music sets the mood. In Maastricht, too, there is plenty of live music on the streets and in cafés. On the Sint-Servaas bridge and in the vicinity of the Grote Staat, passers-by often stop to listen to a string quartet or a band. Events such as Jeker Jazz, with flamenco guitar music, or Musica Sacra also bring musical performances of certain genres to the city centre. Tip: keep an eye on the entertainment calendar for other fun events!
View the events calendar
