Onze Lieve Vrouwe square

With its centuries-old trees, cosy terraces and the imposing Basilica of Our Lady, Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein is one of Maastricht’s most atmospheric squares. Here you can soak up the lively atmosphere, whilst standing in a place where the city’s history stretches back almost two thousand years.

The oldest part of Maastricht
The square lies within the walls of the late Roman castellum, the oldest part of Maastricht. As far back as Roman times, this was an important centre of the settlement. A separate ecclesiastical district later developed around the Basilica of Our Lady, with its own administration, which played an important role in Maastricht for centuries. The present-day square was formerly the basilica’s cemetery, and next to it stood St Nicholas’ Church, which was demolished in the nineteenth century. In this way, the square reflects various chapters in Maastricht’s history, from Roman times to the Middle Ages.

Hidden beneath the square
Here, Roman history is not only palpable but also waiting to be discovered. Beneath Derlon Hotel Maastricht , the remains of a Roman sanctuary and sections of the ancient Roman road have been preserved. In the Derlon Museum Cellar, you’ll gain a unique insight into Maastricht as it was nearly two thousand years ago.

Fun fact
The Roman remains beneath Hotel Derlon were only discovered in 1983 during a renovation. The building plans were subsequently amended so that the archaeological finds could be preserved and can still be visited today.