Welcome to Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands – a city that has ripened well with age, like good wine, with complex and lively cultural overtones added over centuries by the Romans, Germans and French. This rich cultural palette is the secret behind the city’s attractiveness, drawing visitors to the historic city centre and a wealth of museums and festivals – making each visit a fascinating new experience.

The mentality of the city’s residents is characterised by charm, lightheartedness, the ability to laugh at themselves when necessary, and what the French call joie de vivre. This is also what the artist, Mari Andriessen, had in mind when he designed this bronze figure for the square by the Stokstraat. The jaunty statue of ‘Mestreechter Geis’ speaks to the heart of most city residents. Just ask one of the locals what they think of ‘their’ Mestreechter Geis and it will become obvious.

The centre of Maastricht is compact and easy to explore on foot. Large areas are pedestrians- only and most sites are within walking distance. The old St. Servaas bridge links the old centre with the trendy Wyck district, and from the adjacent Céramique district you can cross back over the river via the designer suspension bridge, the ‘Hoeg Brögk’, and cut through the park back to the centre. With an amazing variety of sights, sounds and flavours spread along a compact network of attractive streets on both sides of the river, you’ll never feel lost but very much at home.