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History of Maastricht

‘Discover Maastricht’ is an extensive multimedia website where you can learn all about the history of Maastricht. With a Smartphone or PDA, you can download a multimedia tour with images and sounds in four different languages free of charge. Just go to www.zichtopmaastricht.nl. It also has an interactive map of the historic city centre.

Rich History

Roman Fortress

Around the beginning of the Common Era, the Romans drove the Celts out of Maastricht and build a bridge over the Meuse (‘Maas’ in Dutch) River. The name Maastricht comes from the Latin term Mosae Trajectum, which means ‘passage over the Maas.’


Religious Centre 

380
Bishop St. Servatius moves the bishop’s see from Tongeren to Maastricht. In the Middle Ages, his grave draws large numbers of pilgrims.

 

1204
In the Middle Ages, Maastricht is granted city rights. During the Middle Ages, Maastricht comes under the rule of the Duke of Brabant and the Prince Bishop of Liège (joint rule).
 

Garrison city

1579
The Spanish army led by Alexander Farnese, the Duke of Parma, conquers Maastricht.
 
1632
Stadtholder Frederik Hendrik establishes Dutch rule and makes Maastricht part of the Republic of Seven United Provinces of the Netherlands.
 
1673
The French Sun King, Louis XIV, captures Maastricht. During the attack on the city walls, the famous musketeer d’Artagnan is killed.
Markt
1678
Maastricht returns to Dutch rule.
 
1794
Maastricht becomes part of the French Republic. The French abolish the system of joint rule and give French citizenship to all the residents.
 
1814
Maastricht again comes under Dutch rule. General Dibbets succeeds in keeping Maastricht in Dutch hands during the Belgian revolt of 1830.
Map Trajectum Mosam

Early industrial city

1830
With the purchase of the first steam engine, Petrus Regout - a glass and pottery manufacturer in Maastricht - kicks off the Dutch Industrial Revolution.
 
1976
The State University of Limburg is established in Maastricht with the goal of breathing new life into the economy of Limburg after the closure of the mines. In 1996, it is renamed Maastricht University.
 
1991
The cooperative platform established by the Dutch, German and Belgian provinces in 1976 acquires legal status in 1991. That cooperation applies primarily to universities, colleges and the business community.
 
1992
Representatives of 12 European countries sign the Treaty of Maastricht leading to the introduction of the euro.
 
2009
The City Council of Maastricht announces its candidacy for 'Cultural Capital of Europe' in 2018.