History
Dive into history
In today's Maastricht, you will come across traces of 70 million years BC. It is hard to imagine when you walk through its cosy streets, but at that time, this part of Europe was sea! The city emerged much, much later as a Roman fortress. In the centuries that followed, Maastricht had all kinds of functions, from religious hotspot to industrial city. All those periods in history have had their impact on the city that Maastricht is today.
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Cretaceous Sea
70,000,000 B.C.
About 70 million years ago, the Cretaceous Sea, a shallow subtropical sea, covered Maastricht and the rest of southern Limburg. This is where the Mosasaurus, among others, lived. The yellow limestone layers that can be seen in Maastricht's caves, for example, date back to this time.
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Roman fortress
1st century AD.
In the 1st century AD, the Romans founded a settlement called 'Mosa Trajectum' on the site of present-day Maastricht. This settlement was conveniently located along the Roman trade route Via Belgica and along the Maas.
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Religious hotspot
Up to 1100 AD.
In the Middle Ages, Maastricht was one of Europe's religious hotspots. The walled city was popular with defenceless monks seeking a safe haven, and the tomb of the holy bishop Servatius attracted millions of pilgrims to the city.
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Middle Ages
500-1500
Surrounded by secure stone city walls, Maastricht grew into a prosperous city in the Middle Ages. The city's economy flourished because of the lively trade in leather, cloth and other goods made in Maastricht.
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Garrison city
1500-1800
This period in Maastricht is characterised by war after war and assaults by various rulers. Many fortifications in the city such as Fort Sint Pieter were built during this time to protect the city from enemy attacks.
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Early industrial city
1800-1900
As the oldest industrial city in the Netherlands, Maastricht acquired a whole new identity in the 19th century. Thousands of people worked in large pottery and glass factories founded by Petrus Regout.
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World War II
1940-1945
Over 300 Maastricht residents were deported during World War II, but fortunately the city was also able to provide a safe haven for many people in hiding. Maastricht's casemates and caves were used as air-raid shelters during this time.
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International university city
From 1969
In 1974, the Netherlands' eighth medical faculty was founded in Maastricht. The then Rijksuniversiteit Limburg attracted many students to Maastricht, breathing new life into the city.
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Maastricht Treaty
1992
On 7 February 1992, the 12 heads of government of the European Union signed the Maastricht Treaty. This signing in the Gouvernementsgebouw was the starting signal for, among other things, the introduction of the euro.
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New developments
2018-present
In 2018, the King Willem-Alexander Tunnel was opened in Maastricht to replace a busy link road off the A2 motorway. On top of the tunnel and in its surroundings, the Green Carpet meanders. With the development of this green space, more peace and quiet in the city will be built in the coming years.
Experience history - in Maastricht
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80 years of liberation
80 years of liberation
Commemorate 80 years of liberation in Maastricht with special events, exhibitions and stories about the city's rich history.
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History museums in Maastricht
History museums in Maastricht
Dive into Maastricht's history! Discover marine reptiles, papal relics and stories of hiding in seven historical museums. From prehistory to recent centuries: experience the city through nature, religion and human stories.
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Historical sights in the Jeker Quarter
Historical sights in the Jeker Quarter
With medieval streets and many national monuments, you can experience the Maastricht of old here. We tip 10 historical pearls in the Jeker Quarter.
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10x hidden gems in Maastricht
10x hidden gems in Maastricht
Small passages, unusual bits of nature and historic locations. These are the most beautiful hidden gems in Maastricht.
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Discover Maastricht's Roman past
Discover Maastricht's Roman past
Maastricht has a rich Roman past. Find out where to go for the full experience in this blog.