Historic Maastricht

  [caption id="attachment_6683" align="alignnone" width="750"] The impressive Dominican bookshop[/caption]   Maastricht, which dates back to 50BC, may or may not be the oldest city in The Netherlands – the city of Nijmegen disputes that claim. However, Maastricht can safely pride itself on being the most sophisticated. Fine museums, luxurious boutiques, a number of Michelin star restaurants and a vibrant café scene give Maastricht an undeniable edge. Vestiges of the Roman military encampment that became Maastricht can be viewed in the cellar of the Derlon Hotel at No 6 Onze Lieve Vrouweplein. Among the ruins are a section of a Roman piazza, a 3rd Century well, and part of a pre-Roman cobblestone road. Finds are exhibited in cases lining the wall. The museum is only open on Sunday afternoons, but if you’re in the neighbourhood at another time, just ask. In any case, the hotel’s stylish cocktail bar is worth a visit. The Derlon Hotel overlooks one of the most beautiful squares of Maastricht, the Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, famous for its 11th Century church. A much-venerated 15th Century wooden statue of Our Lady of the Sea is housed in a Gothic chapel near the main entrance (no entry during services). A building that will intrigue modern architecture buffs as well as art lovers is the riverside Bonnefanten Museum, by Italian architect Aldo Rossi. The torpedo-shaped structure houses old masters like Rubens and Van Dyck and contemporary art from the major modern movements. Ongoing conservation work is carried out in the museum and the public is invited to look in on the first-floor workshop. An exhibition by Cai Guo-Qiang, the “explosive artist” whose gunpowder works lit up the Beijing Olympics, will feature in February 2017. You’ll also find some unusual souvenirs in the gift shop. Visit the website at: www.bonnefanten.nl If high fashion is on your shopping list, Stokstraat should be your destination. Kiki, at 28-32 Stokstraat, stocks all the top fashion names. A ghetto in the 1950s, the street is now a charming choice for a stroll, even if you keep your plastic in your pocket. Shops close at 18.00 except on Thursdays, when they stay open to 19.00. On Saturdays and Sundays some close at 17.00. On the Vismarkt at the Boschstraat, about 40 art and antiques stand holders offer antiques, art and books every Sunday from 12.00 to 17.30. On the side of a hill, just a 15-minute drive from the site of the ESCRS Winter Meeting, the Château Neercanne offers Michelin star dining in a great setting. Book online at: www.chateauhotels.nl To experience a traditional Maastricht “brown pub”, so-called for the wooden interior, stop in at the Vogelstruys on Vrijthof Square. THREE TO NOTE MAASTRICHT UNDERGROUND Maastricht Underground is the collective name for all the tours offered at Fort St Pieter, the North Caves, the Zonneberg Caves, the Casemates, and the ENCI quarry; their various histories involve dinosaurs, Napoleon and a 1950s nuclear shelter. During World War Two, preparations were made in these limestone caves for the evacuation of 50,000 inhabitants of Maastricht, should the town be caught between the armies of the Allies and the Nazis. It was never fully utilised, but you can view the facilities. Highlights include a bakery, a hospital, operating theatre, a psychiatric ward and three chapels. The Maastricht Underground website has details on the range of tours. Most are guided in Dutch but a PDF self-guide in English is available to download. For more details visit: www.maastrichtunderground.nl BROWSING A bookshop in a disused Dominican church is a favourite browsing destination for many Maastricht residents and a happy find for tourists. Dutch architects Merkx+Girod won the Lensvelt de Architect Interior Prize 2007 for their “Boekhandel Dominicanen”. Originally a Gothic church consecrated in 1294 by the Order of Preachers founded by St Dominic, the church was confiscated by Napoleon’s army in 1794. After that, it was used as a town archive, a warehouse and for bike storage. It is now possibly the world’s most beautiful bookstore. Located at Dominikanerkerkstraat 1; open on weekdays from 9.00 to 18.00, on Thursdays 9.00-21.00, and on Sunday 12.00 to 17.00. MAASTRICHT ON THE RUN This running tour of the city’s highlights covers about 6km in 90 minutes. There are several stops on the itinerary, during which you hear the stories behind the sights in the old historical centre. The pace is adapted to the group. Raoul Spronken, owner of Maastricht Running Tours, is the guide. The cost is €25 for one or two runners and €12.50 for each additional runner. Scheduled tours are on Saturdays and Sundays at 10.00, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at18.00. Tours must be reserved in advance. Customised tours are also possible. Website: www.maastrichtrunningtours.nl

Tags: 21st ESCRS Winter Meeting