10x hidden gems in Maastricht
Rolling vineyards, azure water, underground passages and bubbling at the Maas. You don't have to cross the border for that, because you can find it all in Maastricht! Here, we tip you off to ten hidden gems in the atmospheric Limburg capital.
1. Hidden under the city: - the Casemates
Maastricht's casemates are quite literally 'hidden gems'. Between 1579 and 1825, a network of corridors and mine galleries was dug under the west of the city. The purpose of this 11-kilometre-long system of corridors? To stalk and eliminate enemy troops attacking the city underground. Consequently, you can still find embrasures and eavesdropping and communication corridors. During World War II, Maastricht people were only too happy to have this public hiding place. Want to go underground yourself? Walk through Kazematten with a local guide and discover its history.
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Casemates
Casemates
Between 1575 and 1825, a network of corridors was created on the western side of Maastricht. Discover this ancient defence system with a guide. More info about Kazematten
2. Unique nature: - the ENCI Quarry
At the foot of the Sint-Pietersberg (Saint Peter's Mountain) is an azure-blue lake like you find them in many a mountain range. And that just in our own country, in the old ENCI marl quarry to be precise. Here, until 2018, people dug for limestone extraction and then cement formation in the adjacent factory. After the factory work ended, the area turned into a special nature reserve under the supervision of Natuurmonumenten. The best view is from the vantage point at the end of Luikerweg, where you follow a relatively new footpath along green fields along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for rare butterflies, eagle owls and plants.
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ENCI quarry
ENCI quarry
The ENCI quarry is a wonderful place to walk and enjoy all the beautiful plants and animals the area has to offer. More info on ENCI quarry
3. Historic beer: - Bosch Brewery
For over 260 years, Bosch Brewery provided Maastricht people with tasty beers. From 1970, the golden beverage was no longer brewed here, but the history of this iconic spot is kept alive. Since its closure, the 19th-century brewery, the five-storey malt house and the brewer's residence have remained almost intact. An enthusiastic guide will tell you all about the craft brewing process and give you a unique insight into the past goings-on of the brewery. After all that listening about beer, you get thirsty, so a tasting of special beer and tasty snacks in the Keizer- or Ridderzaal should not be missed.
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Bosch Brewery
Bosch Brewery
Visit this industrial national monument with a guided tour followed by a beer tasting. More info on Bosch Brewery
4. Southern French style: - Marina 't Bassin
A glass of wine and a drink by the water. At Jachthaven 't Bassin, it is like being on the Côte d´Azur. Close to the historic heart of the Sphinx Quarter, the former wharf cellars are now restaurants, grand cafés, shops and galleries. Here you can admire or make art, watch cultural films or rent a sloop and sail along the Maas. Culture vultures and foodies will enjoy the monumental buildings that recall the pottery industry. A perfect day out starts with a coffee on the terrace, followed by a cultural activity, to end with a bite to eat and a drink.
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Marina 't Bassin
Marina 't Bassin
The wharf cellars of 't Bassin bustle with several restaurants, grand cafés, shops and galleries. More info on Marina 't Bassin
5. Book Paradise: - the Dominican Church
Looking for one of the most extraordinary bookstores in the world? Then Boekhandel Dominicanen in the Dominican Church is the right place. In the past two centuries, the centuries-old church has been, among other things, a bicycle shed and carnival temple. Nowadays, you can browse for your new favourite books here in peace and quiet. Are you not such a bookworm or has your shopping session already succeeded? On the former chancel, enjoy a cup of cappuccino or a delicious lunch from Blanche Dael Coffeelovers. The bookshop also regularly hosts lectures, debates and musical events. In short, a place not to be missed!
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Dominican bookshop
Dominican bookshop
A stroll through the Dominican Church is an experience in itself, and people don't call it the most beautiful bookstore in the world for nothing! More info on Dominican Book Store
6. Rough backyard: - the Frontenpark
'The rugged backyard of the Sphinx Quarter' is called the 20-hectare Frontenpark. No perfectly mowed lawns, smoothly trimmed bushes or romantic buildings. Instead, it is a rough park where nature has long reigned supreme, with characteristic old buildings here and there. Not to be missed is De Krul, the remnant of the exit of the old Noorderbrug. From the highest point, you have fantastic views of the Sphinx Quarter and the park's many highlights. Walk across steel decking to the old fortifications, picnic on the city meadow near the Gashouder or get inspired by creative people at the Radium.
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Frontenpark
Frontenpark
An exciting and rugged piece of nature in the city. More info on Frontenpark
7. Maastricht wine: - Vineyard Apostelhoeve
A vineyard in Maastricht? Yes, you read that correctly. There are even several of them! On the Louwberg south of Maastricht lies one of the oldest and largest vineyards in the Netherlands: the Apostelhoeve. Its 15th-century building and wine slopes would not look out of place across the border. Among the vines on the slopes of the Jeker valley, you will learn all about growing wine in Limburg. Get to know five different grape varieties that will be transformed into six dry white wines and two sparkling wines later in the year. Curious about how such a wine from your own region tastes? Finish your visit with a wine tasting at the winery.
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Vineyard Apostelhoeve
Vineyard Apostelhoeve
Atop the Louwberg lies the monumental 15th-century Apostelhoeve; the oldest and largest vineyard in the Netherlands! More info on Wijngaard Apostelhoeve
8. Solid structure: - Fort Saint Peter
At the top of Mount Saint Peter, Fort Saint Peter proudly towers over the city. The fort was built some 300 years ago to defend the southern city walls. When the fort was attacked by the French in 1794, it proved that its sturdiness was no laughing matter. Walk with a guide through the highlights of the well-maintained structure and admire the view of the city. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch at nearby restaurants or take a stroll through the caves in St Peter's Mountain.
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Fort Saint Peter
Fort Saint Peter
A three-hundred-year-old fort at the highest point of the city. More info on Fort Sint Pieter
9. Monks' work: - the Convent of the Cross
Today's Kruisherenhotel is a former monastery where, from the 15th century onwards, the monastic order of the Kruisheren engaged in studying, transcribing and binding holy books. In short: monks' work. Maastricht was a religious centre in the Middle Ages, so the monastery density was high, and there were still 11 monasteries within the robust city walls. The Kruisheren monastery endured several wars, even serving for a time as a munitions depot and barracks. In the year 2000, the national monument was transformed into a luxurious five-star design hotel. With an ingenious construction of the hotel, the ingenious architecture has remained intact and can be admired from the inside. Moreover, the monastery is one of the few Dutch Gothic monasteries to have survived troubled times, so even if you can't stay overnight stay stay, the impressive building with its red-and-white shutters is well worth a visit.
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Kruisherenklooster
Kruisherenklooster
The Kruisherenklooster was one of the 22 monasteries located within Maastricht's city walls in the Middle Ages. More info on Kruisherenklooster
10. Watching tiles: - the Sphinxpassage
In the 120-metre-long Sphinxpassage, you walk through the history of Maastricht's pottery industry. On almost 30,000 tiles you will see family portraits, factory buildings, tableware decorations, advertising material and toilet bowls that played a role in the Sphinx ceramics industry. This made Maastricht the largest industrial city in the 19th century. For each tile tableau, a background story gives you a glimpse into the past. You will see that a lot has changed since Petrus Regout founded the Sphinx factory in 1834. Today, the Sphinx Quarter is an upcoming, vibrant city district where people live, work, create and enjoy.
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Sphinxpassage
Sphinxpassage
The Sphinxpassage is a 120-metre-long covered tile passage between the Eiffel Building and Pathé. Almost 30,000 tiles bring Maastricht's Sphinx past to life in words, images and objects. More info on Sphinxpassage
