International roots

Bench in Maastricht city centre

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Abroad in the Netherlands

If you know Maastricht's history, you'll understand where the city's international allure comes from. In one quarter of an hour you walk through 'petite Paris' and in the next you imagine yourself in Spain.

  • Historic street Maastricht
  • House on the river Jeker in Maastricht
  • Tafelstraat Jeker Quarter in Maastricht
  • Frontenpark Maastricht walking trail along walls

Spanish occupation

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Maastricht was under Spanish rule as a result of the Eighty Years' War. Due to its location, the city was of strategic importance to the Spanish. During this period, fortifications were built to defend the city. At the same time, the Spanish influence brought cultural changes, including the spread of Catholicism. This occupation came to an end in 1632, when Frederick Henry of Orange captured the city. The Spanish period left lasting traces in Maastricht's cultural heritage.

French era under Napoleon

At the end of the 18th century, Maastricht became involved in the French Empire under Napoleon. Maastricht became the capital of the new French department Nedermaas. The French administration introduced new laws, including the Civil Code (Code Napoléon), and ecclesiastical influence was curtailed. Maastricht became an important military stronghold within the French Empire. Although French rule lasted only two decades, it had a major impact on the city, both on an administrative and cultural level. Many street names and buildings still recall this period.

Integration into the Kingdom of the Netherlands

In 1815, Maastricht became part of the newly created Kingdom of the Netherlands, following the fall of Napoleon. This marked another new phase in the city's history. For a long time, Maastricht retained a unique position within the kingdom because of its strong ties with the Catholic Church and its burgundian character. Integration brought economic and infrastructural developments, including the growth of industries and the construction of railways. Maastricht formed the bridge between the Netherlands and its southern neighbours. This period laid the foundation for modern Maastricht as a dynamic city with international appeal.

Experience international roots

  • Saint Servatius Bridge

    Saint Servatius bridge Maastricht from side corversplein

    Built in the 13th century, St Sint Servaasbrug bridge is the oldest surviving bridge in the Netherlands. Bloody battles were fought here during the Spanish sieges in 1576 and 1579, among others.

  • Spanish Government

    Fotomuseum aan Het Vrijthof exterior full-width building

    In the former Spanish Gouvernement, the Duke of Parma is said to have signed William of Orange's outlaw declaration. Between 1519 and 1550, Emperor Charles V and his son Philip II stayed in the Spanish Gouvernement several times.

  • The Kazematten

    Kazematten Maastricht indoor corridor with bench

    Between 1579 and 1825, a network of corridors and mining galleries was dug under the western part of the city. These corridors were meant to sneak up and eliminate enemy troops attacking the city.

  • Fort Sint Pieter

    Throughout the centuries, Maastricht has been besieged and conquered several times. In 1673, city commander Daniël Wolff von Dopff decided to build this fortress to protect Maastricht.

  • Chateau Neercanne in Maastricht

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