Sphinx Quarter walk

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Distance: 3.3 km | Duration: 40 minutes

Starting and finishing point: Market Square

Want to explore Maastricht's most surprising and dynamic district? Then this walk is just what you are looking for. The route takes you past the places that characterise the contemporary Sphinx Quarter. Hidden here are historical stories that we are reviving together today. This part of the city is bursting with energy and is developing rapidly. Maastricht is renewing, and you can feel it in the heart of this part of town.

  • Sphinx Maastricht Eiffel building front

Let's go!

Start your walk on the Markt, opposite City Hall. From here, head to the Grote Gracht and turn into the second street on the right: Bogaardenstraat. As you walk down this street, you pass the lovely wine shop Thiessen Wijnkoopers. Take the first street on the left, Capucijnengang, where you will see the Maastricht synagogue at the corner.

Enjoyment at a monastery

In these charming streets you can admire the many monasteries, churches and chapels that Maastricht still has. Turn left into Capucijnenstraat and walk on to Grote Gracht. If you like, take a break here at Gasterie VeerMestreech, located in the former Ursulinen convent, and enjoy a drink.

Kruisherenhotel

Continue your route up and turn left to the Kommel, where you will see the impressive Kruisherenhotel. If you're not staying here, you can always visit the restaurant or wine bar. Walk along the Kruisherengang to Brusselsestraat, cross the zebra crossing and turn right through the gate to Herbenusstraat.

The old Fire Station

You'll pass more historic monasteries, which played an important role in Maastricht education. Turn right into Hoogfrankrijk. On the left, you'll find a pedestrian crossing to the Charles Vos Cour. Walk down and arrive at the old fire station, now de Brandweerkantine.

Time for a break

Take a well-earned break here, or stroll a little to the right to visit Marres, House for Contemporary Culture. You can also visit the beautiful city garden or restaurant here. Then go back and turn into the Apostles' Corridor. Walk on until you reach Bogaardenstraat again, turn left onto Achter de Barrakken and right onto Boschstraat.

Eiffel building

Turn left and walk past the buildings of the former Sphinx factory. You'll pass the old factory gate, the headquarters of the Royal Sphinx (now UNU-MERIT) with the statue of founder Petrus Regout, and the old factory hall, now The Social Hub.

Culture in the Sphinx Quarter

Cross the street at the Pathé and walk towards the Bassin. Here you will see the old Timmerfabriek (now pop venue De Muziekgieterij) and the old boiler house (now film house Lumière). Walk under the bridge to the old inner harbour 't Bassin. On the wall you can see old photos of what this area used to look like.

At the end of the harbour, walk up and, via the Sint Theunisgang, reach the renovated workers' quarter, which takes you back to Boschstraat. Turn left and walk straight until you reach the Markt again.

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This walk offers you not only a glimpse of Maastricht's present, but also a journey through the city's rich history and ongoing transformation.

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