"Maastricht - The oldest city of Holland " a Maastricht Travel Page by MikeAtSea

I never thought Maastricht would be such an attractive city. In the past on trips to and from Holland where I would cross the border close to this city I would only pass with high speed along the highway A 76 and see the industrial sites on the outskirts. That the city is actually very attractive and offers a lot of history had to wait, until I stopped and visited Maastricht.
Maastricht's history already began with the Romans who built a settlement near the Maas River. The name of the settlement was Mosae Trajectum, or translated where you can wade across the Maas.
The settlement grew into a walled castellum and hence the strategic position of early Maastricht evolved. Prosperity was part of Maastricht's growth, many churches, storehouses and mansions still count of the wealth the city encountered during the 2000 years of its existence. The city walls and fortifications that still can be seen today show that many sieges and wars were part of the city's history. The Dutch, the Spanish and the French all took part in trying to concur Maastricht. Hence architectural influences of the occupying powers are still visible today.
From 1867 the city evolved around the industrial revolution and became a main industrial town of the Southern regions of the Netherlands.

German occupation during World War II and fierce fighting regarding the strategic position and proximity to Germany too place in the late war years, seeing massive destruction to the city. Destruction that has not dented the image of this beautiful city at all, since modern Maastricht shines as an example of traditional old buildings, mansions, churches and fortifications and modern structures. Many museums, art galleries, and an attractive shopping area are part of the city centre, with close by gardens to relax. And as in many Dutch cities a variety of restaurants offer a visitor every possibility of culinary adventure.
Being the oldest city of the Netherlands it is an attractive and interesting city to visit, and I will make sure that I will stop the next time and not pass by venturing to other Dutch cities.