Exploring the Historic Centre of Maastricht: A Walk Through the Dutch City
Welcome to Maastricht, the charming and historic city located in the southernmost part of the Netherlands. As an architect with a passion for history and urban design, I was excited to explore this city and soak up its unique atmosphere. Join me as we take a virtual 4k walking tour through Maastricht and discover its fascinating history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.
Our journey begins in the heart of the city’s historic town center, where we are immediately captivated by the lively Carnival marching bands that take over the streets each year. We witness colourful Carnival processions with lively marching bands and flamboyant costumes, adding to the excitement of our adventure. Despite the change in weather, the city’s beauty still shines through with its charming cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and delightful red light-lit cafes.
As we wander through the charming streets of Maastricht, we take in the sights and sounds of Carnival and encounter colourful processions that are a testament to the town’s vibrant culture. One of the several permanent Carnival reminders is the ‘T Zaat Hermenieke, a collection of five colourful and oddly-shaped sculptures by Dutch artists Han van Weterine. They depict players from the first Carnival marching band: a drummer, a trumpeter, a tuba player, a cymbals player, and the biggest figure leading the march holding up a baton topped with a skull mask. So wacky!
Our journey takes us through a maze of streets, where we search for the most beautiful book store in the world, the award-winning Dominicanen Book Store located inside a stunning 13th century Gothic church. The architecture of this church is a testament to the city’s rich history and the ingenuity of its builders, who used brick and timber to keep the buildings from sinking below sea level. This stunning book store is a perfect example of how Maastricht blends its historical past with modern innovation.
We stop by the city’s bustling main squares, where life and activity abound regardless of the rainy weather. We set out on a quest to find that hidden gem of knowledge and commerce, and we are not disappointed. Our journey leads us down a medieval side street lined with warmly lit cafes and table-lined cobblestone roads, before circling back to get a closer look at the massive churches and basilicas of Maastricht.
Turning our attention to the soaring pinkish-red tower on the 13th century Sint Janskerk (Saint John Church), we note that the tower has not always been painted with the current distinctive red colour. However, it clearly defines a unique architectural feature specific to the Netherlands, a country located below sea level. Traditional grand churches would be constructed with heavy cut stone, but the structural elements of these buildings had to be lightened, which is why brick and timber were used to supplement them.
Finally, we reach our destination, the grand 13th century Gothic church that houses the breathtaking Dominicanen Book Store. We are awed by the grandeur of the bookcases set within the church’s intricate architecture, resulting in a truly magical atmosphere. Stunning details of the church’s interior are revealed between elegant reading spots, rows of bookshelves, and direct access to the magnificent vaulted ceiling above. No where else in the world can you experience a church’s architecture this way!
Maastricht is a city that is rich in history, architecture, and culture, and this is just a small glimpse of what it has to offer. As we conclude our virtual walking tour, we are left with a sense of awe and appreciation for the city’s unique charm, history, and fun-loving energy. If you’re a lover of history, architecture, and culture, then Maastricht is a must-visit destination that should
NOMAD SKETCHBOOK 