Last updated on Sunday, December 16, 2007
Maastricht
Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, and is the capital of the southern province of Limburg. In approximately the year 20 AD, the Romans built the city "Mosa Trajectum" on the crossing of the river Maas, on their way to Achen. In many places in the contemporary city, it is still possible to see remains of the Roman period.
This area has come to be called Euregio, as the borders of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands come together here. Traditionally, the local economy was based on coal mining, but this practice has diminished in recent years and has been replaced by the chemical and service industries. Additionally, Maastricht is home to an important University, where several innovations in education are being carried out. Within the Euregio, the University Maastricht works together with the Universities of Aachen (Germany), Liege (French-speaking Belgium), and Diepenbeek (Flemish-speaking Belgium). It is a region that is therefore appropriate to serve as symbol of European efforts toward integration, especially since the historic signing of the Maastricht Treaty.
Apart from industrial and economic developments, Maastricht has managed to maintain a rustic charm with plenty of natural beauty. The city center is full of historic buildings and monuments, beautiful squares with a cozy cafe culture, and is very welcoming with its pedestrian walking zones. The surrounding area offers hilly, verdant views.