The best city hikes and walks in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Vallei Van De Ziepbeek

Next to the magnificent Romanesque Basilica of St. Servatius is the younger church (from the 13th century) dedicated to St. John, which was originally built as a Catholic parish church, but now offers a spiritual home to the town's Protestant fellow citizens.

The history of Maastricht's Market Square dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was a small square near the first city walls, known for the cloth trade in the nearby Cloth Hall. After the old wall, the Cloth Hall, and the Prisoners' Gate were demolished, the square took on its current form in the 17th century with the construction of the Town Hall. This transformed it into the economic and social heart of the city, surrounded by stately buildings and restaurants, and where weekly markets are held to this day. The Market Square was originally smaller and nestled against the first medieval city walls, now remembered by the Grote Gracht (Great Canal) and Kleine Gracht (Little Canal). Around the 13th century, a Cloth Hall was built to accommodate the flourishing cloth trade, which dominated the city's economy. After 1659, the old wall, Cloth Hall, and Prisoners' Gate were demolished to make way for the current Town Hall, completed in 1664. The Town Hall, centrally located, commands the attention, along with the stately buildings surrounding the Market Square, several of which are protected. Also worth seeing: the statue of Maastricht native Jan Pieter Minckeleers, who invented coal gas, the water pump, and the statue of the Mooswief, which can be found as a separate highlight at https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/highlight/5839923

The red tower of St. John's Church and the Basilica of St. Servatius mark the historical significance and uniqueness of the square.

The market square with the town hall is beautiful in itself, especially the surrounding shops and restaurants. But there's also a fantastic market here on Wednesdays and Fridays. There's plenty to discover at the stalls, from fabrics and clothing to food and delicious snacks. A visit is especially worthwhile on these two days. A carillon chimes from the tower every half hour.

Maastricht's Gothic St. Matthew's Church (Sint-Matthiaskerk) is located on Boschstraat. Construction of this church began around 1350, but it is believed that a church already stood on this site before then. The St. Matthew's Church is definitely worth a look.

On Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the market hosts the weekly fresh produce market. Here, you'll find regional products, organic food and beverages, and countless stalls selling the latest fashions. On Fridays, there's also a produce market. Here, you'll find the same selection as on Wednesdays, but with a slightly more extensive offering.

market in Maastricht

The Markt is a square in Maastricht's city center. Its name comes from the markets that have been held there for centuries. The Markt is also home to Maastricht City Hall and a large number of restaurants and cafes. The Markt is easily accessible by public transport.