Maastricht: attractions, reviews

Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. It is located at the very border with Belgium. The old part of the city is relatively small, even on foot it can be bypassed in a couple of hours. We bring to your attention a virtual tour of Maastricht, attractions. In the city's survey will include castles and temples, monuments and bridges!

Hell's Gate

This unusual structure appeared in the beginning of the XIII century. These gates were then part of the first defensive wall of the city. A century later, a second wall appeared in the city, and the gates remained. How did they get this name? There is a version that says that gunpowder was stored in these premises, that's why the gates in the people were called Adskim. At the end of the XIX century, the gate began to perform a new function - they were converted into living quarters. Later, the studio was equipped with a studio by artist Jeff Skipper. Today at the gate you can see the exhibition, which is devoted to the history of the city.

Of course, the structure was repeatedly refurbished, but the exterior appearance was not changed. Visit this landmark Maastricht is just necessary. Tourists say that not so much a large number of medieval fortification buildings are preserved for centuries!

Town Hall and Town Hall Square

The main square of the city is rightly considered Marktplein - the Town Hall Square. Its decoration is the Town Hall building. This landmark Maastricht appeared in the city in 1664. The first stone was laid in 1659. In the XIX century, restoration work was carried out here, as a result of which the workers rebuilt the roof and modified the windows. The architect Peter Post worked on the project. Today in the tower there is a bell tower with 49 bells. By the way, the carillon still works in the Town Hall building.

Over time, all the premises of this landmark Maastricht acquired a new appointment. For example, the secretariat, the office and the cabinet of advisers, who were in the episcopal part of the town hall, turned into a conference hall and a hall of municipal councilors. And one of the most delightful European wedding rooms, the Prince's Chamber, takes guests to the amazing atmosphere of the 17th century. In their reviews visitors of this amazing place tell that the interior is decorated with tapestries and luxurious painted ceilings, old stucco molding.

Cathedral of Saint Servatius

The oldest church in the Netherlands is Basilica of Saint Servatius. In general, the cathedral appeared here almost immediately after the burial in this place of the bishop of Maastrichtian Servatius in the IV century. But the modern church was built only seven centuries later. The basilica was consecrated in 1039. Today, tourists are allowed into the cathedral. This landmark of Maastricht introduces the magnificent architecture, an excellent collection of precious church utensils. Here are the burials of St. Servatius, Charles of France.

Basilica of the Virgin Mary

Walking around the city, you can not pass by the Basilica of the Virgin Mary: the facade of this landmark Maastricht stands out against the general background. The western facade with two striking towers in the Gothic style is more like a defensive wall than a church.

The building appeared on the foundation of an older building, unfortunately, it is impossible to name the exact date of construction. But researchers say: a significant part of the architectural elements refers to the XI-XII century. This basilica is very unusual. For example, this is the oldest Christian church in the city (after the cathedral of St. Servatius, of course), besides it is included in one hundred of the most outstanding monuments of the cultural heritage of the Netherlands. And still today in this basil the crypt of thousand-year-old prescription is stored. And this despite the numerous reconstruction and restructuring.

The Old Bridge

The pedestrian bridge of Saint Servatius is one of the most popular sights of Maastricht. The second name is the Old Roman Bridge. He gained special popularity in 1968, after he was immortalized on a postage stamp. And the Old Bridge appears on the screen saver popular in the Netherlands TV series about the police.

The bridge connects the east and west coast of the Meuse. Its first builders are the Romans. They erected a crossing from a tree in 50 AD. A terrible tragedy at this place occurred in 1275 - then the bridge collapsed. It happened during the solemn procession. 400 people were killed. After the accident, the communication between the banks was broken, and the townspeople for a long time bypassed this place by the side. In 1928 a new bridge was built. The work was not easy, and therefore Saint Servatius promised an indulgence to those who fulfilled it. The new bridge was located just north of the previous one.

The description of the attraction of Maastricht of that time is amazing - even after the terrible tragedy, the bridge designs were decided not to be made fundamental. Archs of the bridge were built with the expectation that in case of a siege they could be quickly dismantled. By the 17th century, the condition of the bridge had deteriorated, as there had never been a major overhaul ever since. Only occasionally the workers replaced the damaged elements of the structure. It was decided to bring the bridge in order. After the reconstruction, the bridge pleased the citizens with an excellent condition for a couple of centuries, but regular floods caused new damage.

When the construction of the Maastricht-Liège Canal began, the authorities decided to strengthen the Old Bridge. Later, at the beginning of the XX century, it became clear that the construction simply could not cope with traffic, besides the places the bridge began to simply collapse. Initially, it was decided to demolish the structure, but local residents did not allow it to be done - protests started in the city. The authorities have preserved the Old Bridge, having built the second just to the north. Unfortunately, the photo sights of Maastricht of those times are not preserved. Then the design gained a special charm - the arches were covered with original stones, all the details were reliably protected from erosion. During the Second World War, the Germans almost completely destroyed the bridge, retreating from the Netherlands. Of course, in 1948 a reconstruction was carried out, but from the original there was almost nothing left.

The Monument of D'Artagnan

The city is also famous for the fact that here at the siege of the fortress D'Artagnan was killed. The hero of the French army mortally wounded a shot from the musket. The death of a musketeer was a tragedy both for the French army and for King Louis XIV. The burial place of d'Artagnan is unknown, historians suggest that it rests on the outskirts of Maastricht, in the walls of the church of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul. The sculpture was installed in a park city area, not far from the University. The author of the monument is Alexander Taratynov, a Russian Dutchman.

Locks

In this city are located and one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. About these sights Maastricht reviews are exceptionally positive. Tourists who visited castles say: these are the most real historical evidence of the formation of an entire civilization, culture and art! All the castles are kept in excellent condition, because some of them are cultural monuments, and some are hotels! We offer you an overview of the sights of Maastricht.

One of the castles - Vaishartelt - today is a hotel with three stars! Here there is an aristocratic atmosphere, which is closely intertwined with first-class service. Magnificent manor appeared in the XVIII century, however, from the building of those times almost nothing remained.

In the 14th century, Nirkanne Castle was built in Maastricht. As in Vaishartelt, there is an incredible hotel here. His guests are pleased with this place with a luxurious restaurant and an exquisite menu! Before the castle was in place of Roman fortifications, now they are used as wine cellars.

At the beginning of the 19th century, another beautiful palace appeared in Maastricht - Wliek. The roof of this two-story house is made in the form of a tent. The facade is decorated with pilasters, bas-relief molding. Inside the wings of the castle is a delightful courtyard, and around the building there are ponds with decorative bridges.