We spent last weekend in Maastricht, the 'crown jewel of the South' (of the Netherlands, that is) they call it. It is a mere two and a half hour train ride away from Rotterdam in those comfy Dutch trains - then again, are there any uncomfortable train rides in Europe? Nah, I seriously doubt it.
Apparently they say a trip to the Netherlands is never complete without visiting Maastricht so we decided to find out if this is true. Nestled near the border of Belgium, we find that Lonely Planet is spot on about the city being unlike any other Dutch cities; I associate a lot of things Dutch as simplistic, no fuss, and down-to-earth which I think is very cool. However, when it comes to Maastricht the medieval city did not just charm us with it's numerous atmospheric squares and winding cobbled streets - there is that cool sophisticated vibe that we really dig!
Maastricht is bisected into two by the river Meuse or Maas and the main sights are scattered equally on both sides. The pedestrian bridge that links the citycentre of Maastricht at the western side of the river Maas with the Wijck district at the other side of the river is the famous Sint Servaasbrug, the oldest in the Netherlands which dates back to 1298. Yep, it is so old we need a new word for old.
Sint Servaasburg
Maastricht's landmark include the Vrijthof where the two important churches are located - Basilica Sint Servatius and Sint Jan church. The Vrijthof is the city's main square and is dotted not only with important monuments like the churches I've mentioned but also with restaurants, cafes and pubs offering al-fresco dining to tourists and locals alike.
Entrance of Basilica Sint Servatius
Fountain statue near the basilica's entrance
The striking red-coloured tower of Sint Jan.'s church
Vrijthof is not the only square in Maastricht, in fact the city has a few others to offer. Onze Lieve Vrouweplein is an intimate cafe-filled square named after its church. We dropped in for hot chocolate in this cute chocolate shop; they offer an array of flavoured hot chocolates from coconut to caramel to hazelnut. You actually pick your flavour off the shelves (they're pre-packaged on sticks like lollipops and they bring you the steaming hot milk. you then stir in your chocolate-on-a-stick and voila, yummy hot chocolate!).
Onze Lieve Vrouweplein
Everyday is a winding road...
The Markt is another bustling square - here we found the gorgeous townhall and the statue of Johannes Petrus Minckeles holding a flaming rod. He invented gas light.
Stadhuis (town hall) at the Markt
The other highlight of our weekend trip was where we stayed. Kruisherenhotel is a stunning Crutched Friar monastery complex that dates from 1483. During the French Revolution, it served as a barracks and arsenal. Early last century, the monumental gothic church and monastery complex fell into a state of disrepair. Then late in 2000, initiative was taken to save the unique building from ruin. Large-scale renovations were set in motion and the building was transformed into a luxurious, contemporary designer hotel, retaining respect for the past.
Entrance
Courtyard
The fortification in Maastricht is a feast to the eye - the Helpoort is the oldest surviving town gate in the Netherlands.
Helpoort
Autumn in Maastricht
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