Wikipedia

Maastricht

For the treaty signed in Maastricht in 1992, seeMaastricht Treaty.

Maastricht(/ˈmɑːstrɪxt/MAH-strikht,USalso/mɑːˈstrɪxt/mah-STRIKHT,[8][9][10]Dutch:[maːˈstrɪxt]ⓘ;Limburgish:Mestreech[məˈstʀeːx];French:Maestricht(archaic);Spanish:Mastrique(archaic)) is acityand amunicipalityin the southeasternNetherlands.It is thecapitaland largest city of the province ofLimburg.Maastricht is located on both sides of theMeuse(Dutch:Maas), at the point where theJekerjoins it.Mount Saint Peter(Sint-Pietersberg) is largely situated within the city's municipal borders. Maastricht is adjacent to the border withBelgiumand is part of theMeuse-Rhine Euroregion,an international metropolis with a population of about 3.9 million, which includes the nearby German and Belgian cities ofAachen,Liège,andHasselt.

Maastricht
Mestreech(Limburgish)
Cityandmunicipality
River Meuse in winter
RiverMeusein winter
Town Hall by night
Maastricht City Hallat night
Sidewalk cafés at Onze Lieve Vrouweplein
Sidewalk cafés atOnze Lieve Vrouweplein
Saint Servatius Bridge
Saint Servatius Bridge
Our Lady, Star of the Sea chapel
Our Lady, Star of the Seachapel
St. John's and Basilica of Saint Servatius
St. John's andSt. Servatius'churches atVrijthof square
View from Mount Saint Peter
View fromMount Saint Peter
Flag of Maastricht
Flag
Coat of arms of Maastricht
Coat of arms
Anthem: Mestreechs Volksleed
Highlighted position of Maastricht in a municipal map of Limburg
Location in Limburg
Maastricht is located in Netherlands
Maastricht
Maastricht
Location within the Netherlands
Maastricht is located in Europe
Maastricht
Maastricht
Location within Europe
Coordinates:50°51′N5°41′E/ 50.850°N 5.683°E/50.850; 5.683
CountryNetherlands
ProvinceLimburg
Settled≈ circa 50 AD
City rightsgradually acquired
City HallMaastricht City Hall
Boroughs
7 districts
  • Centrum(Binnenstad,Jekerkwartier,Kommelkwartier, Statenkwartier, Boschstraatkwartier, Sint Maartenspoort,Wyck-Céramique)
  • Noordoost(Beatrixhaven,Borgharen,Itteren,Meerssenhoven)
  • Oost(Wyckerpoort, Wittevrouwenveld, Nazareth, Limmel,Amby,Scharn, Heugemerveld)
  • Zuidoost(Randwyck, Heugem,Heer,De Heeg, Vroendaal)
  • Zuidwest(Villapark,Jekerdal,Biesland,Campagne, Wolder,Sint Pieter)
  • West(Brusselsepoort, Mariaberg, Belfort, Pottenberg, Malpertuis, Caberg, Malberg, Dousberg-Hazendans, Daalhof)
  • Noordwest(Boschpoort,Bosscherveld, Frontenkwartier, Belvédère, Lanakerveld)
Government
[1]
• BodyMunicipal council
•MayorWim Hillenaar(CDA)
Area
[2]
• Municipality60.12 km2(23.21 sq mi)
• Land55.99 km2(21.62 sq mi)
• Water4.13 km2(1.59 sq mi)
Elevation
[3]
49 m (161 ft)
Population
(Municipality, January 2021; Urban and Metro, May 2014)[4][5]
• Municipality120,227
• Density2,147/km2(5,560/sq mi)
•Urban
277,721
•Metro
≈ 3,500,000
Urban population for Dutch-Belgian region;[6]metropolitan population for Dutch-Belgian-German region.[7]
Demonyms(Dutch) Maastrichtenaar;
(Limb.) Mestreechteneer or "Sjeng" (nickname)
Time zoneUTC+1(CET)
• Summer (DST)UTC+2(CEST)
Postcode
6200–6229
Area code043
Websitewww.gemeentemaastricht.nl/en

Maastricht developed from aRomansettlement (Trajectum ad Mosam) to a medieval river trade and religious centre. In the 16th century it became a garrison town and in the 19th century an early industrial centre.[11]Today, the city is a thriving cultural and regional hub. It became well known through theMaastricht Treatyand as the birthplace of theeuro.[12]Maastricht has 1,677 national heritage buildings (rijksmonumenten), the second highest number in the Netherlands, afterAmsterdam.The city is visited by tourists for shopping and recreation, and has a large international student population.

History

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For a chronological guide, seeTimeline of Maastricht.

Toponymy

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Maastricht is mentioned in ancient documents as[Ad] Treiectinsem [urbem]ab. 575,Treiectensisin 634,Triecto,Triectuin 7th century,Triiectin 768–781,Traiectoin 945,Masetriethin 1051.[13][14]

The place nameMaastrichtis anOld DutchcompoundMasa-(>Maas"theMeuseriver ") + Old Dutch*treiekt,itself borrowed from Gallo-Romance*TRA(I)ECTUcf. its Walloon nameli trek,from Classical Latintrajectus( "ford,passage, place to cross a river ") with the later addition ofMaas"Meuse" to avoid the confusion with the-trechtofUtrechthaving exactly the same original form and etymology. The Latin name first appears in medieval documents and it is not known whether*Trajectu(s)was Maastricht's name during Roman times.

A resident of Maastricht is referred to asMaastrichtenaarwhilst in the local dialect it is eitherMestreechteneeror, colloquially,Sjeng(derived from the formerly popular French nameJean).

Early history

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Roman sanctuary in the basement of Hotel Derlon

Neanderthalremains have been found to the west of Maastricht (Belvédère excavations). Of a later date arePalaeolithicremains, between 8,000 and 25,000 years old.Celtslived here around 500 BC, at a spot where the riverMeusewas shallow and therefore easy to cross.

It is not known when the Romans arrived in Maastricht, nor whether the settlement was founded by them. The Romans built a bridge across the Meuse in the 1st century AD, during the reign ofAugustus Caesar.The bridge was an important link in the main road betweenBavayandCologne.Roman Maastricht was relatively small. Remains of the Roman road, the bridge, a religious shrine, aRoman bath,agranary,some houses and the 4th-centurycastrumwalls and gates, have been excavated. Fragments of provincial Roman sculptures, as well as coins, jewelry, glass, pottery and other objects from Roman Maastricht are on display in the exhibition space of the city's public library (Centre Céramique).

According to legend, theArmenian-bornSaint Servatius,Bishop of Tongeren,died in Maastricht in 384 where he was interred along the Roman road, outside the castrum. According toGregory of Toursit was bishopMonulphwho around 570 built the first stone church on the grave of Servatius, a precursor of the present-dayBasilica of Saint Servatius.The city remained an earlyChristiandioceseuntil it lost the distinction to nearbyLiègein the 8th or 9th century.

Middle Ages

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In the earlyMiddle AgesMaastricht, along withAachenandLiège,formed part of what is considered the heartland of theCarolingian dynasty.At this time, the town was an important centre for river trade and manufacturing.Merovingiancoins minted in Maastricht have been found throughout Europe. In 881 the town was plundered by theVikings.In the 10th century it briefly became the capital of theduchy of Lower Lorraine.

During the 11th and 12th centuries the town flourished culturally. Severalprovostsof the chapter of Saint Servatius held important positions in theHoly Roman Empire.The twocollegiate churcheswere largely rebuilt and redecorated during this era. MaastrichtRomanesque stone sculptureandsilversmithingare regarded as highlights ofMosan art.Maastricht painters were praised byWolfram von Eschenbachin hisParzival.Around the same time, the poetHenric van Veldekewrote a legend of Saint Servatius, one of the earliest works inDutch literature.The two main churches acquired a wealth ofrelicsand the septennialMaastricht Pilgrimagebecame a major event that drew up to 100,000 pilgrims.

Unlike most Dutch towns, Maastricht did not receivecity rightsat a certain date. These gradually developed during its long history. In 1204 the city'sdual authoritywas formalised in a treaty, with theprince-bishop of Liègeand theduke of Brabantholding joint sovereignty over the city. Soon afterwards the first ring of medieval walls were built. In 1275, the old Roman bridge collapsed under the weight of a procession, allegedly killing 400 people. A replacement bridge, funded by churchindulgences,was built slightly to the north and survives until today, theSint Servaasbrug.[15]

Throughout the Middle Ages, the city remained a centre for trade and manufacturing principally ofwoolandleatherbut gradually economic decline set in. After a brief period of economic prosperity around 1500, the city's economy suffered during thewars of religionof the 16th and 17th centuries, and recovery did not happen until theindustrial revolutionin the early 19th century.

16th to 18th centuries

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TheSiege of Maastricht (1579)as depicted in thePalace of Aranjuez

The strategic location of Maastricht at a major river crossing necessitated the construction of an array of fortifications around the city during this period. The Spanish and Dutchgarrisonsbecame an important factor in the city's economy. In 1579 the city was sacked by the Spanish army led by theDuke of Parma(Siege of Maastricht, 1579). For over fifty years the Spanish crown took over the role previously held by the dukes of Brabant in the joint sovereignty over Maastricht. In 1632the city was conqueredby PrinceFrederick HenryofOrangeand the DutchStates Generalreplaced the Spanish crown in the joint government of Maastricht. There was an attempt in 1634 of Spanish forces torecapture the city,but to no avail.

AnotherSiege of Maastricht (1673)took place during theFranco-Dutch War.In June 1673,Louis XIVlaid siege to the city because French supply lines were being threatened. During this siege,Vauban,the famous French military engineer, developed a new tactic in order to break down the strong fortifications surrounding Maastricht. His systematic approach remained the standard method of attacking fortresses until the 20th century. On 25 June 1673, while preparing to storm the city, captain-lieutenantCharles de Batz de Castelmore,also known as thecomted'Artagnan,was killed by a musket shot outside the Tongerse Poort. This event was embellished inAlexandre Dumas'novelThe Vicomte de Bragelonne,part of theD'Artagnan Romances.French troops occupied Maastricht from 1673 to 1678.

In 1748 the French again conquered the city at what is known as theSecond French Siege of Maastricht,during theWar of Austrian Succession.After each siege the city's fortifications were restored and expanded. The French revolutionary army failed to take the city in 1793 but a year later they succeeded. The condominium was dissolved and Maastricht was annexed to theFrench First Republic,later theFirst French Empire.For almost twenty years (1795–1814/15) Maastricht was the capital of the FrenchdépartementofMeuse-Inférieure.

19th and early 20th century

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19th-century industry: Maastricht potteries in Boschstraat

After theNapoleonic era,Maastricht became part of theUnited Kingdom of the Netherlandsin 1815. It was made the capital of the newly formedProvince of Limburg (1815–1839).When the southern provinces of the newly formed kingdomseceded in 1830,the Dutch garrison in Maastricht remained loyal to the Dutch king,William I,even when most of the inhabitants of the town and the surrounding area sided with the Belgian revolutionaries. In 1831, arbitration by theGreat Powersallocated the city to the Netherlands. However, neither the Dutch nor the Belgians agreed to this and the arrangement was not implemented until the 1839Treaty of London.During this period of isolation Maastricht developed into an early industrial town.

Plate commemorating the liberation, 14 September 1944

Because of its eccentric location in the southeastern Netherlands, as well as its geographical and cultural proximity to Belgium and Germany, integration of Maastricht and Limburg into the Netherlands did not come about easily. Maastricht retained a distinctly non-Dutch appearance during much of the 19th century and it was not until theFirst World Warthat the city was forced to look northwards.

Like the rest of the Netherlands, Maastricht remained neutral during World War I. However, being wedged between Germany and Belgium, it received large numbers of refugees, putting a strain on the city's resources. Early inWorld War II,the city was taken by theGermansby surprise during theBattle of Maastrichtof May 1940. On 13 and 14 September 1944 it was the first Dutch city to be liberated byAllied forcesof the USOld Hickory Division.The three Meuse bridges were destroyed or severely damaged during the war. As elsewhere in the Netherlands, the majority of MaastrichtJewsdied inNazi concentration camps.[16]

After World War II

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Prime ministerDries van Agtpresiding over the 1981European Councilin the town hall

During the latter half of the century, traditional industries (such as Maastricht'spotteries) declined and the city's economy shifted to aservice economy.Maastricht Universitywas founded in 1976. Several European institutions found their base in Maastricht. In 1981 and 1991European Councilswere held in Maastricht, the latter one resulting a year later in the signing of theMaastricht Treaty,leading to the creation of theEuropean Unionand theeuro.[17]Since 1988,The European Fine Art Fair,regarded as the world's leading art fair, annually draws in some of the wealthiest art collectors.

Since the 1990s, large parts of the city have been refurbished, including the areas around the main railway station and the Maasboulevardpromenadealong the Meuse, the Entre Deux and Mosae Forum shopping centres, as well as some of the main shopping streets. A prestigious quarter designed by international architects and including the newBonnefanten Museum,a public library, and a theatre was built on the grounds of the former Société Céramique factory near the town centre. Further large-scale projects, such as the redevelopment of the area around theA2 motorway,the Sphinx Quarter and the Belvédère area are under construction.

In the early 2000s, Maastricht launched several campaigns against drug-dealing in an attempt to stop foreign buyers taking advantage of the liberal Dutch legislation and causing trouble in the downtown area.[18]

Geography

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Neighbourhoods

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Typical street in theJekerkwartier,part of the city centre
Dutch topographic map of Maastricht, March 2014

Maastricht consists of seven areas (wijken) and 44 neighbourhoods (buurten). Each area and neighbourhood has a number which corresponds to itsCBScode.

  1. Maastricht Centrum (CBS area code: 093500):Binnenstad,Jekerkwartier,Kommelkwartier, Statenkwartier, Boschstraatkwartier, Sint Maartenspoort,Wyck-Céramique
  2. South-West (093501):Villapark,Jekerdal,Biesland,Campagne, Wolder,Sint Pieter)
  3. West (093502): Brusselsepoort, Mariaberg, Belfort, Pottenberg, Malpertuis, Caberg, Malberg, Dousberg-Hazendans, Daalhof
  4. North-West (093503):Boschpoort,Bosscherveld, Frontenkwartier, Belvédère, Lanakerveld
  5. North-East (093505): Beatrixhaven,Borgharen,Itteren,Meerssenhoven
  6. East (093504): Wyckerpoort, Wittevrouwenveld, Nazareth, Limmel,Amby,Scharn, Heugemerveld
  7. South-East (093506): Randwyck, Heugem,Heer,De Heeg, Vroendaal

Itteren, Borgharen, Limmel, Amby, Heer, Heugem, Scharn, Oud-Caberg,Sint Pieterand Wolder are neighbourhoods that used to be separate municipalities or villages until they were annexed by the city of Maastricht in the course of the 20th century.

Neighbouring municipalities

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The outlying areas of the following municipalities are bordering the municipality of Maastricht directly.

Clockwise from north-east to north-west:

(B = Situated in Belgium)

Border

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Maastricht'scity limitshas an international border with Belgium. Most of it borders Belgium'sFlemishregion, but a small part to the south also has a border withWallonia.Both countries are part of Europe'sSchengen Areathus are open without border controls.

Climate

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Maastricht features the same climate as most of the Netherlands (Cfb,Oceanic climate), however, due to its more inland location in between hills, summers tend to be warmer (especially in the Meuse valley, which lies 70 m [230 ft] lower than the meteorological station) and winters a bit colder, although the difference is only noticeable on just a few days a year. The highest temperature recorded was on 25 July 2019 at 39.6 °C (103.3 °F).

Climate data for Maastricht (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1906−present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 16.5
(61.7) 		19.8
(67.6) 		24.2
(75.6) 		29.7
(85.5) 		33.1
(91.6) 		37.2
(99.0) 		39.6
(103.3) 		36.8
(98.2) 		34.3
(93.7) 		28.7
(83.7) 		21.4
(70.5) 		17.0
(62.6) 		39.6
(103.3)
Mean maximum °C (°F) 12.5
(54.5) 		13.6
(56.5) 		18.3
(64.9) 		23.2
(73.8) 		27.3
(81.1) 		30.9
(87.6) 		32.5
(90.5) 		31.8
(89.2) 		26.8
(80.2) 		22.1
(71.8) 		16.3
(61.3) 		12.8
(55.0) 		34.3
(93.7)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 5.7
(42.3) 		6.7
(44.1) 		10.7
(51.3) 		15.0
(59.0) 		18.8
(65.8) 		21.7
(71.1) 		23.8
(74.8) 		23.5
(74.3) 		19.7
(67.5) 		14.8
(58.6) 		9.7
(49.5) 		6.3
(43.3) 		14.7
(58.5)
Daily mean °C (°F) 3.2
(37.8) 		3.7
(38.7) 		6.6
(43.9) 		10.1
(50.2) 		13.8
(56.8) 		16.8
(62.2) 		18.8
(65.8) 		18.4
(65.1) 		15.0
(59.0) 		11.0
(51.8) 		6.8
(44.2) 		4.0
(39.2) 		10.7
(51.3)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 0.5
(32.9) 		0.7
(33.3) 		2.7
(36.9) 		5.0
(41.0) 		8.7
(47.7) 		11.7
(53.1) 		13.8
(56.8) 		13.4
(56.1) 		10.6
(51.1) 		7.3
(45.1) 		3.8
(38.8) 		1.4
(34.5) 		6.6
(43.9)
Mean minimum °C (°F) −7.3
(18.9) 		−6.0
(21.2) 		−3.5
(25.7) 		−1.0
(30.2) 		2.5
(36.5) 		6.4
(43.5) 		9.0
(48.2) 		8.8
(47.8) 		5.6
(42.1) 		0.8
(33.4) 		−2.6
(27.3) 		−5.5
(22.1) 		−9.5
(14.9)
Record low °C (°F) −19.3
(−2.7) 		−21.4
(−6.5) 		−12.9
(8.8) 		−5.6
(21.9) 		−1.6
(29.1) 		0.7
(33.3) 		4.3
(39.7) 		4.9
(40.8) 		−0.9
(30.4) 		−6.5
(20.3) 		−12.0
(10.4) 		−18.3
(−0.9) 		−21.4
(−6.5)
Averageprecipitationmm (inches) 63.8
(2.51) 		57.6
(2.27) 		54.6
(2.15) 		41.0
(1.61) 		57.7
(2.27) 		68.9
(2.71) 		72.8
(2.87) 		82.8
(3.26) 		57.5
(2.26) 		63.6
(2.50) 		62.2
(2.45) 		74.3
(2.93) 		756.8
(29.80)
Average precipitation days(≥ 1 mm) 12.0 10.8 10.4 8.4 9.4 9.7 10.2 10.2 8.8 10.7 11.7 13.2 125.7
Average snowy days 6.1 6.7 3.3 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 1.1 4.7 22.2
Averagerelative humidity(%) 86.4 83.2 77.7 71.7 72.1 72.8 73.1 74.8 79.4 83.9 87.9 88.3 79.3
Mean monthlysunshine hours 66.9 86.0 138.5 180.8 208.7 205.5 209.0 197.5 157.0 118.2 74.1 53.5 1,695.7
Percentpossible sunshine 25.4 30.3 37.5 43.7 43.4 41.7 42.1 43.8 41.3 35.5 27.4 21.5 36.1
Source:Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute(snowy days 2003–2020)[19][20]Infoclimat[21]

Demographics

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Historical population

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Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
14007,000—
150010,000+0.36%
156013,500+0.50%
160012,600−0.17%
165018,000+0.72%
174012,500−0.40%
179617,963+0.65%
181820,000+0.49%
197093,927+1.02%
1980109,285+1.53%
1990117,008+0.69%
2000122,070+0.42%
2010118,533−0.29%
Source:Lourens & Lucassen 1997,pp. 32–33 (1400-1795)
Statistics Netherlands(1970–2010)

Inhabitants by nationality

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Maastricht residents by nationality – Top 10 (2000–2021)
Nationality 2021 2014[22] 2010 2000
Netherlands 100,297 107,418 109,722 116,171
Germany 3,908 3,869 1,956 783
Italy 1,572 653 387 280
Belgium 1,475 1,055 946 909
Spain 913 431 232 241
United Kingdom 842 815 386 280
China 739 595 248 87
France 686 351 214 120
United States 665 623 277 162
Turkey 436 404 368 404

Inhabitants by country of birth

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Maastricht residents by country of birth – Top 10 (2000–2020)
Country of birth 2020 2013[23] 2010 2000
Netherlands 93,162 100,269 102,433 109,632
Germany 3,949 4,100 2,467 1,444
Belgium 2,355 1,920 1,839 1,900
United States 1,380 753 383 217
Indonesia 1,020 1,199 1,267 1,556
China(excl. Hong Kong and Macau) 1,019 651 373 215
Turkey 973 919 836 784
United Kingdom 926 677 404 310
Morocco 829 838 867 859
Poland 563 437 316 152

Languages

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Maastricht is a city of linguistic diversity, partly as a result of its location at the crossroads of multiple language areas and its international student population.

  • Dutchis the national language and the language of elementary and secondary education (excluding international institutions) as well as administration. Dutch in Maastricht is often spoken with a distinctive Limburgishaccent,which should not be confused with the Limburgish language.
  • Limburgish(orLimburgian) is the overlapping term of thetonaldialects spoken inthe Dutchandthe Belgianprovinces of Limburg. TheMaastrichtian dialect(Mestreechs) is only one of many variants of Limburgish. It is characterised by stretchedvowelsand some French influence on its vocabulary. In recent years the Maastricht dialect has been in decline (seedialect levelling) and a language switch to Standard Dutch has been noted.[24]
  • Frenchused to be the language of education and culture in Maastricht. In the late 18th century the language gained a powerful position as the judicial and administrative language, and throughout the following century it was the preferred language of the upper classes. Between 1851 and 1892 a Francophone newspaper (Le Courrier de la Meuse) was published in Maastricht.[25]The language is often part of secondary school curricula. Many proper names are French and the language has left many traces in the local dialect.
  • German,like French, is often part of secondary school curricula. Due to Maastricht's geographic proximity to Germany and the great number of German students in the city, German is widely spoken.
  • Englishhas become an important language in education. AtMaastricht UniversityandHogeschool Zuydit is the language of instruction for many courses. Many foreign students andexpatriatesuse English as alingua franca.English is also a mandatory subject in Dutch secondary schools.

Religion

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Religions in Maastricht (2013)[26]

Roman Catholic(60.1%)
Protestant Church in the Netherlands(2.8%)
Other Christian denominations (2.2%)
Islam(3.3%)
Hinduism(0.1%)
Buddhism(0.4%)
Judaism(0.2%)
No affiliation(30.9%)

In 2010–2014, 69.8% of the population of Maastricht regarded themselves as religious. 60.4% of the total population stated an affiliation with the Roman Catholic Church. 13.9% attended a religious ceremony at least once a month.[27]

Economy

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ENCIquarry
Office park Randwyck-Noord

Private companies based in Maastricht

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  • Sappi– South African Pulp and Paper Industry
  • Royal Mosa – ceramic tiles
  • O-I Manufacturing– previously Kristalunie Maastricht; glass
  • BASF– previously Ten Horn; pigments
  • Mondi– packaging
  • Rubber Resources/Elgi Rubber – previouslyVredestein;rubber recycling
  • Radium Foams –Talalayproducts
  • Hewlett-Packard–e previously Indigo, manufacturer of electronic data systems
  • Vodafone– mobile phone company
  • Q-Park– international operator of parking garages
  • DHL– international express mail services
  • Teleperformance– contact center services
  • Mercedes-Benz– customer contact centre for Europe
  • VGZ – health insurance, customer contact centre
  • Pie Medical Imaging – cardiovascular quantitative analysis software
  • Esaote (formerly Pie Medical Equipment) – manufacturer of medical and veterinary diagnostic equipment
  • BioPartner Centre Maastricht – life sciences spin-off companies
  • Medtronic– medical devices, R&D center

Public institutions

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Provincial Government Buildings
European Institute of Public Administration

Since the 1980s, a number of European and international institutions have made Maastricht their base. They provide an increasing number of employment opportunities forexpatsliving in the Maastricht area.

Culture and tourism

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Medieval city wall (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwewal)
View of Maastricht from the fortress onMount Saint Peter
Vrijthofwith Saint John's (left) andSaint Servatius Basilica
View ofOur Lady'sfrom the church tower of Saint John's
Christmas decorations atOnze Lieve Vrouweplein
Markt and town hall
13th-century Dominican church converted into a bookstore
Slavante on the slopes ofMount Saint Peter
The landmark tower of theBonnefanten Museumon the east bank of the Meuse inWyck-Céramique
Medieval art in theBonnefantenmuseum
Chest of Saint Servatius in theTreasury of the Basilica of Saint Servatius
Maastricht Universityfaculty on their way to the annualdies natalis
TEFAF,Maastricht's prestigious art fair
Giants' Parade, 2019: Gigantius of Maastricht

Sights of Maastricht

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Maastricht is known in the Netherlands and beyond for its lively squares, narrow streets, and historic buildings. The city has 1,677 national heritage buildings (rijksmonumenten), more than any Dutch city outside Amsterdam. In addition to that there are 3,500 locally listed buildings (gemeentelijke monumenten). The entire city centre is a conservation area (beschermd stadsgezicht) and largely traffic-free. The tourist information office (VVV) is located in the basement of Dinghuis, a late-medieval courthouse overlooking Grote Staat. Maastricht's main sights include:

  • Meuse(Dutch:Maas) river,with several parks and promenades along the river, and some interesting bridges:
    • Sint Servaasbrug,partly from the 13th century; the oldest bridge in the Netherlands;
    • Hoge Brug( "High Bridge" ), a modern pedestrian bridge designed by René Greisch.
  • City fortifications,including:
    • Remnants of the first and second medievalcity walland several towers (13th and 14th centuries);
    • Helpoort ( "Hell's Gate" ), an imposing gate with two towers, built around 1230, the oldest city gate in the Netherlands;
    • Wycker Waterpoort, a medieval gate in Wyck, used for accessing the city from the Meuse, demolished in the 19th century but rebuilt shortly afterwards;
    • Hoge Fronten (or: Linie van Du Moulin), remnants of 17th and 18th-centuryfortifications,including a number of well-preservedbastions,couvrefaces,lunettesand drymoats;
    • Fort Sint-Pieter, an early 18th-centuryfortresson the flanks ofMount Saint Peter,offering guided tours and panoramic views of the city; and Fort Willem I, an early 19th-century fortress on the Caberg elevation;
    • Casemates,an underground network of tunnels, built as sheltered emplacements for guns and cannons. These connected tunnels built of brick and limestone run for around fourteen kilometres underneath the city's fortifications. Guided tours are available.
  • Binnenstad:inner-city pedestrianized district with popular shopping streets Grote and Kleine Staat, high-end shopping streets Stokstraat and Maastrichter Smedenstraat, and two indoor shopping centres. Several main sights in Maastricht as well as a large number of cafés, pubs and restaurants are centred around the three main squares in Binnenstad:
    • Vrijthof,the largest and possibly best-known square in Maastricht, with many well-known pubs and restaurants. Other sights include:
      • Basilica of Saint Servatius,a predominantly Romanesque church with an imposingwestworkand important 12th and 13th-century sculptures; most notably the westwork interior figurativecapitals,the westworkreredo,and the sculpted South Portal. The tomb ofSaint Servatiusin the crypt is a favoured place ofpilgrimage.The church has an importantchurch treasury;
      • Sint-Janskerk,a Gothic church dedicated toSaint John the Baptist,the city's main Protestant church since 1632, adjacent to the Basilica of Saint Servatius, with a distinctive limestone tower painted red;
      • Spaans Gouvernement ( "Spanish Government Building" ), a 16th-century former canon's house, later used as a residence for theBrabantandHabsburgrulers, now housing theFotomuseum aan het Vrijthof;
      • Hoofdwacht, an 18th-century military guard house, built in the style of theDutch Baroque,used for exhibitions;
      • Generaalshuis ( "General's House" ), aNeoclassicalmansion, now the city's main theater (Theater aan het Vrijthof).
    • Onze Lieve Vrouweplein,a tree-lined square with a number of pavement cafes. Main sights:
      • Basilica of Our Lady,a partly 11th-century church, one of the Netherlands' most significant Romanesque buildings with an imposing Mosan westwork and an importantchurch treasury.Perhaps best known for the shrine ofOur Lady, Star of the Seain an adjacent Gothic chapel;
      • Derlon Museumkelder, a permanent exhibition of ancient Roman remains in the basement of Hotel Derlon.
    • Markt, the town's historic market square. Sights include:
      • TheTown Hall,built in the 17th century byPieter Postand considered one of the highlights ofDutch Baroque architecture.Nearby is Dinghuis, the late medieval town hall and courthouse with an earlyRenaissancefaçade;
      • Mosae Forum, a shopping centre and civic building designed byJo CoenenandBruno Albertin the early 2000s. Inside the Mosae Forum parking garage there is a small exhibition ofCitroënminiature cars;
      • Entre Deux, a rebuilt shopping centre inPostmodern style,which has won several international awards.[28]It includes a bookstore located inside a former 13th-century Dominican church. In 2008, British newspaperThe Guardianproclaimed this the world's most beautiful bookshop.[29]
  • Jekerkwartier,a neighbourhood named after the small riverJeker,which pops up between old houses and remnants of city walls. The western part of the neighbourhood (named the MaastrichtLatin Quarter) is dominated by university buildings and (performing) arts schools. Sights include:
    • several churches and monasteries: the 13th-century First Franciscan Monastery, the 17th-century "Veiled Sisters" and Bonnefanten monasteries, and the 18th-century Second Franciscan Monastery and Walloon and Lutheran churches;
    • Maastricht Natural History Museum,a small museum of natural history in a former monastery;
    • Grote Looiersstraat ( "Great Tanners' Street" ), a former canal that was filled in during the 19th century, lined with elegant houses, the city'spoorhouse(now part of the university library) and Sint-Maartenshofje, a typically Dutchhofje.
  • Kommelkwartier,StatenkwartierandBoschstraatkwartier,three relatively quiet inner city neighbourhoods with several monasteries, university buildings and industrial heritage building:
    • Crosier Monasteryin Kommelkwartier, a well-preserved Gothic monastery, now a five-star hotel;
    • Sint-Matthiaskerk, a 14th-century parish church dedicated toSaint Matthew;
    • Sphinx Quarter, an upcoming neighbourhood and cultural hotspot in the north of the city centre. Several of the industrial buildings of the former Sphinx glass, crystal and ceramics factories have been transformed for new uses;
    • Bassin, a restored early 19th-century inner harbor surrounded by industrial heritage buildings, re-used as cultural venues, bars and restaurants.
  • Wyck,the old quarter on the right bank of the river Meuse.
    • Saint Martin's Church, aGothic Revivalchurch designed byPierre Cuypersin 1856;
    • Rechtstraat and Hoogbrugstraat are the oldest streets in Wyck with many historic buildings and a mix of specialty shops, art galleries and restaurants;
    • Stationsstraat and Wycker Brugstraat are elegant streets with the majority of the buildings dating from the late 19th century. At the east end of Stationsstraat stands theMaastricht railway stationfrom 1913.
  • Céramique,a modern neighbourhood on the site of the former Société Céramique potteries, including a park along the river Meuse (Charles Eyckpark) and a showcase of architectural highlights:
  • Sint-Pietersberg( "Mount Saint Peter" ): modest hill and nature reserve south of the city, peaking at 171 metres (561 ft)above sea level.It serves as Maastricht's main recreation area and a viewing point. The main sights include:
    • Fort Sint-Pieter, an early 18th-century military fortress fully restored in recent years;
    • Caves of MaastrichtakaGrotten Sint-Pietersberg,an underground network of man-made tunnels ( "caves" ) in limestone quarries. Guided tours are available;
    • ENCI Quarry: a former quarry and nature reserve with several lakes, accessible via a spectacular staircase with viewing platforms;
    • Slavante, a 19th-century former gentlemen's club on the site of a Franciscan monastery (of which parts are still standing), now a popular hang-out, offering panoramic views over the Meuse valley;
    • Lichtenberg, a ruined medieval castle keep and an adjacent 18th-century farmstead;
    • D'n Observant ( "The Observer" ), an artificial hilltop, made with the spoils of a nearby quarry, now a nature reserve.

Museums in Maastricht

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Events and festivals

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  • Dies natalis,birthday of theUniversity of Maastricht,with procession of university faculty to St. John's Church wherehonorary degreesare awarded (9 January).
  • Carnival(Maastrichtian:Vastelaovend) - a traditional three-day festival in the southern part of the Netherlands; in Maastricht mainly outdoors with typicalZaate Herremeniekes(February/March).
  • The European Fine Art Fair(TEFAF), the world's leading art and antiques fair (March).
  • Tattoo Expo Maastricht,an anunual international tattoo exhibition (March).
  • Amstel Gold Race,an international cycling race which starts in Maastricht (usually April).
  • KunstTour,an annual art festival (May).
  • European Model United Nations (EuroMUN), an annual international conference (May).
  • Stadsprocessie,religiousprocessionwith reliquaries ofSaint Servatiusand other local saints (first Sunday after 13 May).
  • Pilgrimage of the Relics(Dutch:Heiligdomsvaart),pilgrimagewith relics display and processions dating from the Middle Ages (May/June; once in 7 years; next: 2025).
  • Giants' Parade (Dutch:Reuzenstoet), parade ofprocessional giants,mainly from Belgium and France (June; once in 5 years; next: 2024).
  • Maastrichts Mooiste,an annual running and walking event (June).
  • Fashionclash,international fashion event throughout the city (June).
  • Vrijthofconcerts byAndré Rieuand theJohann Strauss Orchestra(July/August).
  • Preuvenemint,a large culinary event held on the Vrijthof square (August).
  • Inkom,the traditional opening of the academic year and introduction for new students of Maastricht University (August).
  • Musica Sacra,a festival of religious (classical) music (September).
  • Nederlandse Dansdagen(Netherlands Dance Days), a modern dance festival (October).
  • Jazz Maastricht, ajazz festivalformerly known as Jeker Jazz (autumn).
  • 11de van de 11de(the 11th of the 11th), the official start of the carnival season (11 November).
  • Jumping Indoor Maastricht, an internationalconcours hippique(showjumping) (November).
  • Magic Maastricht (Magisch Maastricht), a winter-themed funfair and Christmas market held on Vrijthof square and other locations throughout the city (December/January).

Furthermore, the Maastricht Exposition and Congress Centre (MECC) hosts many events throughout the year.

Nature

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A pond inStadspark,Maastricht's main park
Relaxing in Charles Eyckpark
Sheep onMount Saint Peter
Jeker valley with vineyards

Parks

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There are several city parks and recreational areas in Maastricht:[30]

  • Stadspark, the main public park in Maastricht, partly 19th-century, with remnants of the medieval city walls, a branch of theJekerriver, a mini-zoo and several public sculptures (e.g. the statue ofd'Artagnanin Aldenhofpark, a 20th-century extension of Stadspark). Other extensions of the park are called Kempland, Henri Hermanspark, Monseigneur Nolenspark and Waldeckpark. From 2014 onwards, the grounds of the former Tapijn military barracks will be gradually added to the park;
  • Jekerpark, a new park along the river Jeker, separated from Stadspark by a busy road;
  • Frontenpark, a new park west of the city centre, incorporating parts of thefortificationsof Maastricht from the 17th to 19th centuries;
  • Charles Eykpark, a modern park between the public library andBonnefanten Museumon the east bank of the Meuse river, designed in the late 1990s by Swedish landscape architectGunnar Martinsson.
  • Griendpark, a modern park on the east bank of the river with an inline-skating and skateboarding course.
  • Geusseltpark in eastern Maastricht and J.J. van de Vennepark in western Maastricht, both with elaborate sports facilities.

Natural areas

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  • The Meuse river and its green banks in outlying areas. In the northern areas aroundItterenandBorgharen'new nature' is being created in combination with river protection measures and gravel mining.[31]
  • Pietersplas, an artificial lake between Maastricht andGronsveldthat was the result of gravel pits on the banks of the Meuse river. There is a beach on the northern slope of the lake and amarinanear Castle Hoogenweerth. The eastern riverbed between Pietersplas and the provincial government building is a nature reserve (Kleine Weerd).
  • The Jeker Valley, along the riverJeker,starts near the city centre in Stadspark and leads via Jekerpark to an area with green meadows, fertile fields, some vineyards on the slopes of Cannerberg, several water mills andChâteau Neercanne,and continues further south into Belgium.
  • The green flanks ofMount Saint Peter,including many footpaths.[32]
  • Dousberg and Zouwdal, a modest hill and valley surrounded by urban development on the western edge of the city, partly in Belgium. A large part of the hill is now in use as an international golf course (Golfclub Maastricht).[33]
  • Landgoederenzone, an extended area in the northeast of Maastricht (partly inMeerssen) consisting of around fifteen country estates, such as Severen, Geusselt, Bethlehem, Mariënwaard, Kruisdonk, Vaeshartelt, Meerssenhoven,Borgharenand Hartelstein. Some of the castles, villas and stately homes are surrounded by industrial areas or quarries.
  • Bike paths through agricultural areas in several outlying quarters (like "Biesland" and "Wolder" ).

Sports

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Student rowing club MSRV Saurus inZuid-Willemsvaart
  • Infootball,Maastricht is represented byMVV Maastricht(Dutch:Maatschappelijke Voetbal Vereniging Maastricht), who (as of the 2016–2017 season) play in the Dutch first division of the national competition (which is the second league after theEredivisieleague). MVV's home is theGeusseltstadium near the A2 highway.
  • Maastricht is also home to theMaastricht Wildcats,an American Football League team and member of the AFBN (American Football Bond Nederland).
  • Since 1998, Maastricht has been the traditional starting place of the annualAmstel Gold Race,the only Dutch cycling classic. For several years the race also finished in Maastricht, but since 2002 the finale has been in the municipality ofValkenburg.Tom Dumoulinwas born in Maastricht.
  • Since 2000, Maastricht has been the first city in the Netherlands with aLacrosseteam. The Student Sport Association "Maaslax" is closely linked to Maastricht University and a member of the NLB (Nederlandse Lacrosse Bond).

Politics

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City council

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Parties 2014
[34] 		2018
[35] 		2022
[36]
Senioren Partij Maastricht (SPM) 6 5 5
CDA 5 5 4
D66 5 5 4
GroenLinks 4 5 4
PvdA 5 3 4
VVD 3 3 3
Partij Veilig Maastricht 3 3 3
SP 5 3 2
Party for the Animals(PvdD) – – 2
Volt – – 2
Party for Freedom(PVV) – 2 1
Liberale Partij Maastricht (LPM) 1 1 1
50PLUS(50+) – 1 1
Sociaal Actieve Burgerpartij (SAB) – 1 1
M:OED – 2 1
Forum for Democracy(FvD) – – 1
Stadsbelangen Mestreech (SBM) 1 – –
Christelijke Volkspartij (Maastricht) 1 – –
Total 39 39 39

The municipal government of Maastricht consists of acity council,amayorand a number ofaldermen.The city council, a 39-member legislative body directlyelectedevery four years, appoints the aldermen on the basis of a coalition agreement between two or more parties after each election.

Aldermen and mayors

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The mayor and aldermen make up the executive branch of the municipal government.

The mayor from 2002,Gerd Leers(CDA), resigned in January 2010 following allegations of irregularities in a holiday villa project in Bulgaria owned by Leers.[37]He was replaced byOnno Hoes,a Liberal (VVD), the only male mayor in the country officially married to a man. In 2013 Hoes was subject to controversy after disclosures of intimate affairs with several other men, although he remained mayor.[38]After a new affair in 2014, Hoes eventually stepped down.[39]

From July 2015,Annemarie Penn-te Strakebecame mayor.[40]She was an independent serving no political party, although her husband was a former chairman[41]of the Maastricht Seniorenpartij.[42]She had served in the Dutch judicial system for many years, and during her tenure as mayor she still served as attorney general.[43]In July 2023 Wim Hillenaar(CDA)took over as mayor.[44]

Cannabis

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One controversial issue which dominated Maastricht politics for many years was the city's approach to soft drugs. Under theDutch soft drug policy,individuals may buycannabisfrom'coffeeshops'under certain conditions. From the 1980s, Maastricht saw a growing influx of 'drug tourists', mainly from neighbouring Belgium, France and Germany. The city government attempted to reduce negative side effects, including illegal sale of hard drugs in the city centre and anti-social behaviour.

Two'coffeeshop'boats at Maasboulevard

A 2008 proposal to relocate the coffeeshops to the outskirts of the city[45]was opposed by neighbouring municipalities (some in Belgium) and by the Dutch and Belgian parliaments. In December 2010, a Maastricht law to restrict entry to coffeeshops to local residents was upheld by theCourt of Justice of the European Union,[46]with the Dutch government introducing a similar national law in 2012.[47]The new system led to a reduction in drug tourism in Maastricht's cannabis shops, but an increase in drug dealing on the streets.[48]A 2018 Maastricht University study showed a substantial decline in drug nuisance since 2012, although criminal drug networks had grown due to police budget cuts.[49]

Transport

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A2 motorwayand Koning Willem-Alexandertunnel
Maastricht main railway station
Arrivabus at Boschstraat
Maastricht Aachen Airport

By car

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Maastricht is served by theA2andA79motorways. The city can be reached fromBrusselsandColognein approximately one hour and fromAmsterdamin about two and a half hours.

The A2 motorway runs through Maastricht in a double-decked tunnel. Before 2016, the A2 motorway ran through the city; heavily congested, it caused air pollution in the urban area. Construction of a two-level tunnel designed to solve these problems started in 2011 and was opened (in stages) by December 2016.[50]

In spite of several large underground car parks, parking in the city centre forms a major problem during weekends and bank holidays because of the large numbers of visitors. Parking fees are deliberately high to encourage visitors to use public transport orpark and ridefacilities away from the centre.

By train

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Maastricht is served by three rail operators, all of which call at the mainMaastricht railway stationnear the centre and two of which call at the smallerMaastricht Randwyck,near the business and university district. Only Arriva also calls atMaastricht Noord,which opened in 2013. Intercity trains northwards toAmsterdam,Eindhoven,Den BoschandUtrechtare operated byDutch Railways.The line toHeerlen,ValkenburgandKerkradeis operated byArriva.TheNational Railway Company of Belgiumruns south toLiègeinBelgium.The westbound railway toHasselt(Belgium) closed in 1954. The former railway toAachenwas closed down in the 1980s. However, Aachen can still be reached via Heerlen.

By bus

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Regular bus lines connect the city centre, outer areas, business districts and railway stations. The regionalArrivabus network extends to most parts ofSouth LimburgandAachen(Germany). Regional buses byDe Lijnconnect Maastricht withHasselt,TongerenandMaasmechelen,and one bus connects Maastricht withLiège,operated byTEC.Various bus companies such asFlixbusandEurolinesprovideintercity bus servicesfrom Maastricht to many European destinations.

By air

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Maastricht is served by the nearbyMaastricht Aachen Airport(IATA:MST,ICAO:EHBK), in nearbyBeek,and it is informally referred to by that name. The airport is located about 10 kilometres (6 miles) north of the city centre. The airport is served byCorendon Dutch AirlinesandRyanairwhich operate scheduled flights to destinations around the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, North-Africa and alsoLondon Stansted Airportfrom March 2022. There are also charter flights toLourdeswhich are operated byEnter Air.

By boat

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Maastricht has a riverport(Beatrixhaven) and is connected by water withBelgiumand the rest of the Netherlands through the riverMeuse,theJuliana Canal,theAlbert Canaland theZuid-Willemsvaart.Although there are no regular boat connections to other cities, various organized boat trips for tourists connect Maastricht with Belgium cities such asLiège.

Distances to other cities

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These distances areas the crow fliesand so do not represent actual overland distances.

Education

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Maastricht University,Campus Randwyck
Students at work at UM Law School
Hotel Management School atBethlehem Castle

Secondary education

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Tertiary education

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Other

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International relations

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See also:List of twin towns and sister cities in the Netherlands

Twin towns

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Maastricht istwinnedwith:

Notable people

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See also:Category:People from Maastricht
Peter Debye
Tom Dumoulin
Jan Pieter Minckeleers
Henrietta d'Oultremont
André Rieu
Victor de Stuers

Born in Maastricht

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Residing in Maastricht

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Saint Servatius

Local anthem

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In 2002 the municipal government officially adopted a local anthem (Limburgish(Maastrichtian variant):Mestreechs Volksleed,Dutch:Maastrichts Volkslied) composed of lyrics inMaastrichtian,written byAlfons Olterdissen.The theme was originally composed by his brother, Guus Olterdissen, though the theme is similar to the theme "Pe al nostru steag e scris Unire"of the Romanian composerCiprian Porumbescu(1853–1883). It is unknown if the Olterdissen brothers were aware of the Romanian piece.[51]

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  • TheMeuse
  • Saint Servatius Bridge
  • Dinghuis
  • Townhall
  • Mosae Forum
  • Saint Servatius Basilica
  • Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein
  • Basilica of Our Lady
  • Lang Grachtje
  • Helpoort ( "Hell's Gate" )
  • Pater Vink Tower
  • BastionHaet ende Nijt
  • Stadspark
  • Jekerriver
  • Bassin harbour
  • Saint Lambert Church
  • Train station, Wyck
  • Stationsplein, Wyck
  • Hoeg Brögk
  • Charles Eyckpark, Céramique
  • Public library, Céramique
  • Fortress Sint Pieter
  • View from Slavante
  • Castle ruin Lichtenberg
  • Huis de Torentjes
  • ENCI quarry
  • Château Neercanne
  • View on Cannerberg
Vrijthof square, early morning

See also

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References

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Notes
  1. ^"Mrs. Annemarie Penn-te Strake"[Mr. Annemarie Penn-te Strake] (in Dutch). Gemeente Maastricht. Archived fromthe originalon 3 July 2015.Retrieved12 October2013.
  2. ^"Kerncijfers wijken en buurten 2020"[Key figures for neighbourhoods 2020].StatLine(in Dutch).CBS.24 July 2020.Retrieved19 September2020.
  3. ^"Postcodetool for 6211DW".Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland(in Dutch). Het Waterschapshuis. Archived fromthe originalon 21 September 2013.Retrieved12 October2013.
  4. ^"Bevolkingsontwikkeling; regio per maand"[Population growth; regions per month].CBS Statline(in Dutch).CBS.1 January 2021.Retrieved2 January2022.
  5. ^"Bevolkingsontwikkeling; Regionale kerncijfers Nederland"[Regional core figures Netherlands].CBS Statline(in Dutch).CBS.1 January 2020.Retrieved8 March2021.
  6. ^Including the Belgian municipalities ofLanaken,RiemstandMaasmechelento the west andViséto the south.
  7. ^Basically, the metropolitan areas of Maastricht,Liège,Hasselt-Genk, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen-Kerkrade and Aachen-Düren constitute the densely populated urban core of theMeuse–Rhine Euroregion.
  8. ^"Maastricht".The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language(5th ed.). HarperCollins.Retrieved4 April2019.
  9. ^"Maastricht"(US) and"Maastricht".LexicoUK English Dictionary.Oxford University Press.Archived fromthe originalon 22 March 2020.
  10. ^"Maastricht".Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary.Retrieved4 April2019.
  11. ^"Zicht op Maastricht".zichtopmaastricht.nl.Retrieved19 August2012.
  12. ^"The EconomistCharlemagne: Return to MaastrichtOct 8th 2011 ".Economist.com. 8 October 2011.Retrieved23 May2012.
  13. ^AsTreiectinsem urbem,"the city of Trajectum", inGregory of Tours,Historia Francorum,2, 5Archived16 March 2015 at theWayback Machine(late 6th ct.).
  14. ^M. Gysseling,Toponymisch Woordenboek van België, Nederland, Luxemburg, Noord-Frankrijk en West-Duitsland (vóór 1226)(Tongeren, 1960)p. 646.
  15. ^Bredero, Adriaan H. (1994),Christendom and Christianity in the Middle Ages: The Relations Between Religion, Church, and Society,Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, p. 352,ISBN978-0-8028-4992-2.
  16. ^About 77% of Maastricht's relatively small Jewish community of 505 members did not survive the war.P.J.H. Ubachs & I.M.H. Evers(2005):Historische Encyclopedie Maastricht,pp. 256-257. Walburg Pers, Zutphen.ISBN90-5730-399-X.
  17. ^Gnesotto, N. (1992). European union after Minsk and Maastricht.International Affairs.68(2), 223-232.
  18. ^Maastricht Van onze verslaggever."Coffee Corner: Dagblad de Limburger".Limburger.nl. Archived fromthe originalon 31 August 2015.Retrieved23 May2012.
  19. ^"Klimaatviewer".Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute.Retrieved12 January2023.
  20. ^"Daggegevens van het weer in Nederland".Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute.Retrieved12 January2023.
  21. ^"Climatologie de l'année à Maastricht"(in French). Infoclimat.Retrieved16 October2023.
  22. ^"Bevolking; geslacht, leeftijd, nationaliteit en regio, 1 januari(in Dutch)".Bevolking; Geslacht, Leeftijd, Nationaliteit en Regio, 1 Januari.2014.Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek: 1. 24 October 2014.Retrieved3 February2015.
  23. ^"Bevolking op 1 januari; leeftijd, geboorteland en regio(in Dutch)".Bevolking Op 1 Januari; Leeftijd, Geboorteland en Regio.201w.Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek: 1. 17 July 2013.Retrieved3 February2015.
  24. ^Gussenhoven, C. & Aarts, F. (1999)."The dialect of Maastricht"(PDF).University of Nijmegen, Centre for Language Studies. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 12 June 2011.Retrieved12 July2009.
  25. ^Kessels-van der Heijde, Maria (2002).Maastricht, Maestricht, Mestreech.Hilversum, Netherlands: Uitgeverij Verloren. pp. 11–12.ISBN9065507132.Retrieved11 February2012.
  26. ^"Kerkelijkheid en kerkbezoek, 2010/2013".Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek.
  27. ^'Religie en kerkbezoek naar gemeente 2010-2014',on websitecbs.nl,13 May 2015 (download Excel file).
  28. ^"Entre Deux".Entredeux.nl.Retrieved23 May2012.
  29. ^"Top shelves".The Guardian.London. 3 March 2008.Retrieved23 May2012.
  30. ^"Category:Parks in Maastricht - Wikimedia Commons".commons.wikimedia.org.
  31. ^"Category:Meuse River in Maastricht - Wikimedia Commons".commons.wikimedia.org.
  32. ^"Category:Sint Pietersberg - Wikimedia Commons".commons.wikimedia.org.
  33. ^"Category:Dousberg - Wikimedia Commons".commons.wikimedia.org.
  34. ^"Maastricht municipal election 2014".www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl(in Dutch). 19 March 2014.Retrieved28 April2024.
  35. ^"Maastricht municipal election 2018".www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl(in Dutch). 21 March 2018.Retrieved28 April2024.
  36. ^"Maastricht municipal election 2022".www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl(in Dutch). 16 March 2022.Retrieved28 April2024.
  37. ^"Maastrichtse burgemeester Leers stapt op"[Maastricht mayor Leers resigns].NU.nl(in Dutch).ANP.14 January 2010.
  38. ^"Onno Hoes mag blijven".Telegraaf.19 December 2013. Archived fromthe originalon 3 January 2019.Retrieved3 January2019.
  39. ^Grindstad, Ingrid."Maastricht mayor Hoes resigns amidst sex smear campaign",NL Times,Amsterdam, 10 December 2014. Retrieved on 10 December 2014.
  40. ^"Annemarie Penn geïnstalleerd als burgemeester Maastricht".1 July 2015. Archived fromthe originalon 3 July 2015.Retrieved3 July2015.
  41. ^"Olaf Penn stopt bij Senioren Partij Maastricht".1Limburg.23 April 2015. Archived fromthe originalon 6 February 2017.Retrieved5 February2017.
  42. ^"Annemarie Penn nieuwe burgemeester Maastricht - NU - Het laatste nieuws het eerst op NU.nl".www.nu.nl.23 April 2015.
  43. ^"Mr. J.M. Penn-te Strake - Openbaar Ministerie".3 July 2015. Archived fromthe originalon 3 July 2015.
  44. ^"Benoeming burgemeester Maastricht".rijksoverheid.nl/(in Dutch). 9 June 2023.Retrieved28 April2024.
  45. ^Simons, Marlise (2018)."Cannabis Cafes Get Nudge to Fringes of a Dutch City".The New York Times,20 August 2006.Retrieved6 May2024.
  46. ^"Marc Michel Josemans v. Burgemeester van Maastricht, case C‑137/09".Court of Justice of the European Union. 16 December 2010. Archived fromthe originalon 12 July 2012.
  47. ^"Weed pass sparks new problems".Radio Netherlands Worldwide.Archived fromthe originalon 20 October 2012.Retrieved6 May2024.Archived2012-10-20 at theWayback Machine
  48. ^Theo Sniekers (24 July 2017)."Vier Limburgse steden in landelijke top 6 qua drugsoverlast']".limburger.nl(in Dutch).Retrieved28 April2024.
  49. ^Pascale Thewissen (4 October 2018)."Meer zicht krijgen op georganiseerde drugsnetwerken".limburger.nl(in Dutch).Retrieved28 April2024.{{cite news}}:CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  50. ^"A2maastricht.nl - Homepage A2 Maastricht".www.a2maastricht.nl.Archived fromthe originalon 3 May 2010.Retrieved31 July2010.
  51. ^Municipality of Maastricht (2008)."Municipality of Maastricht: Maastrichts Volkslied".N.A. Maastricht.Retrieved5 August2009.
Literature
  • Lourens, Piet; Lucassen, Jan (1997).Inwonertallen van Nederlandse steden ca. 1300–1800.Amsterdam: NEHA.ISBN9057420082.

Bibliography

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See also:Bibliography of the history of Maastricht
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Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Maastricht&oldid=1229425143"